Choosing Joy

Philippians 1:12 ¶ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

Upon returning to Japan after not being able to return because of Covid-19, I knew that I would be facing a surgery that was going to be more difficult than my previous ones. However, I did not know how much more difficult. My suffering was nothing to compare to many and certainly not to Paul’s situation. However, in the same way, Paul looked positively on his difficult experience to give the gospel and praise God, we too can with a thankful determined spirit glorify the Lord and spread the good news of Jesus. Each morning I passed our verse cards to patients, doctors, and nurses that Vicki had prepared. She used her photography to highlight a series of verses on Hope in the Bible. They were well received by all. Let us in every situation God allows in our lives to be a light for the Lord. I also want to personally thank each of you who prayed for me during this surgery and recovery. What a blessing to know that so many of you were lifting Vicki and myself before the throne of Grace.

Among the many opportunities of witness, one young man from the rehabilitation department came each day to work with me until I left the hospital. Mr. Tanaka was eager to try English, to better his English, and to engage in conversation in various matters. Mr. Tanaka’s wife comes from Enbetsu the town next to Teshio. She attended Teshio High School and remembers who I was as a teacher! It’s a small world sometimes. He seemed interested in an English Bible study so I was able to pass on information from a lo local ministry that has English Bible classes. I trust he will contact them. The Tanakas go visit her family in Enbetsu a couple of times a year, so we hope they accept our invitation to visit us when they are in the area.

Vicki held the fort here in Teshio for the two plus weeks. Beings she couldn’t be by my side through these two weeks due to Covid rules, we were both thankful for communication ability through our phones. With the use of the internet, Sunday services could be watched at other churches here in Japan. We have not started English classes yet, so she kept busy with tasks around home as well as keeping those praying for us and family informed of the surgery results and my updates from the hospital. We have much to be thankful for including the excellent care I received in the university hospital. I have a follow-up check at the end of this month. My heart check turned out well. A spot on one lung will be watched to see if it changes in size. It is too small at this time to do any extra testing. There is much healing needed yet and I need to rebuild my strength so appreciate your continued prayers.

We will be starting up with English classes here at home this coming week. We would appreciate prayers that students will again gather. This is one way we get the gospel out and we get to know people in town. Ken hopes to begin teaching in the local schools and resume church services next week. We are so so thankful to the living God for each of you and your care and prayers for us and the dear Japanese we minister to. We want to use each
day that we can for His glory and show the Japanese there is hope after death.