January 2024

Psalms 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

There are so many reasons to Praise the LORD! Two are listed in this verse. First, not just because His name in excellent, but the LORD’s name is singularly excellent. No other name is more worthy to be praised. Secondly, the LORD’s glory is far greater than anything in the earth or in the heavens. So let us be singular and exclusive in our praise to the LORD’s name!

January brought, what some might think, small opportunities but we are grateful for each one. Bible studies continue with Stellar in Seoul via Skype. She is getting settled in getting to know folk at the church she attends as well and becoming more comfortable with their part in her life. We also meet with KenSan (Filipino 30 yr old lady) usually 2 to 3 times during the month when she can’t be with us on a Sunday due to her job at an Alzheimer’s group home.
Ken teaches English via Skype to an elderly doctor who we have known for quite a few years since he worked here at the Teshio hospital for a time. At first Ken had a Bible study time after English study, but eventually Dr. Mitsu asked to please ‘just teach me English’. Ken always gets opportunity to praise God and witness in some way during the hour with him. This month, during a yearly health check, they found an area on his liver that they are concerned about. Dr. Mitsu allowed Ken to pray with him about this situation as they continue to find out what this is about. Please pray for his salvation and to be open to the Gospel during this concerning time.
Vicki had her first follow-up after beginning medication for the hyperthyroidism. Praise the Lord the medication, even at just 2/3rds strength level, has started to bring her numbers down more towards a normal level. The Dr. said she didn’t have to come in a month this time but wait for two months and see how things are. Side symptoms have subsided to a great degree but the sleepless nights are a challenge. Thank you for your prayers.
We ask prayer for a special trip the Lord is providing for us to take for our 50^th wedding anniversary (Mar. 16^th). Ken has joked for 50 years that he took me to Hawaii on the way to Japan in 1983!! I always answer—2 hours in the middle of the night in the airport doesn’t count! 😉 We will leave on the 1^st of March for Kauai, Hawaii and return to Teshio by the 10^th. We know God has some open doors for us with the people we meet along the way, too! This also helps us reach the goal of being in every single US state at some time or another! Only one to go after this trip!

Prayer requests:
1. Stellar’s continued cancer treatments & immigration process to result in a positive way
2. Continued Bible studies with KenSan from the Philippines; her situation at work & home
3. Vicki’s health to stabilize 4. Salvation of unsaved family members for our people-especially Mrs. Sonoda’s husband right now. He is not doing well (has severely damaged lungs) with bronchitis.