January Newsletter

We are often asked by Japanese, “Why did you come to Japan?” We are very happy to tell them about the Lord Jesus Christ. As Biblical Christians, it is good remember that there are three reasons, we all should be telling people in our sphere of influence about their need of salvation in Jesus Christ.
1) It is a Command to obey: Mt 28:19,20a “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:”

2) It is a Debt to be paid: Romans 1:14-15a “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel”
3) It is an Honor to embrace: 2Corinthians 5:20 “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Therefore, whether we abound or abase, we remain here serving the Lord as He has asked. Beings we now have our permanent Visa status, this seems to help the Japanese understand that we intend to just keep on living here and being a part of this community. May this year be another year that someone in this area comes to know Christ.

Miss Tsuzuki was gone this month due to winter vacation until this past Sunday. We rejoice at being able to continue our Bible study with her and pray that the last of the walls she has put up in her heart would be torn down so that she freely accepts the gift of salvation she understands so much about now. We also rejoice in that she chose to ask to continue another year here in Teshio. She had completed her first 4 years so had to make a decision. The Lord is not done with her yet!

Mrs. Sonoda has faced several trials recently with sudden things that have happened. Doctors discovered her father had cancer in his stomach. Praise God they were able to take about one third of the stomach out and feel at this time that they were able to get all the cancer. He is yet unsaved so she is even more concerned about his need spiritually. Her husband has also had some difficulties and is unsaved. So far they believe it is not cancer but won’t know exactly until test results come back.

Moriyama-san has not been able to come since the New Year due to all the snow fall which is a record high this year. He is on road crew in the summer and snow removal crew in the winter. Maybe come February they can catch up a little and he might be able to come.

Two adults study the Bible after English class on Monday nights in Horonobe. They have both been studying for many years in this way. Mr. Kato (kaw toe) seems to be softening more and more. He is 70 and is such a sweet man—wouldn’t it be wonderful if that was deepened because he came to understand there is only one God and that God loves him so much that He died for him!!

Vicki is taking a ‘birthday’ trip to the USA for the month of February. She will begin at Richard & Angela’s with Abigail s birthday, go to Alicia and Joshua’s for her birthday and Jacob’s. Michael and Lauren will also fly there for part of the week so they can see Vicki and the family, too. Finally, Vicki will fly to Wisconsin and get to be with her mom for her birthday and also see her brother and wife. We appreciate your prayers for traveling mercy for her and blessings on her fellowship with family and friends.

Miss Tsuzuki will join Mrs. Sonoda for Ken to teach them in the morning while Vicki is gone. The hardest part is that our pianist won’t be here to help us sing but we are glad that we can ‘make a joyful noise’!!

Both of us were pleased with our last check up results on kidney stones and Vicki’s eye. Ken is still fighting a slight infection that is hard to clear up. They are trying a new antibiotic. But otherwise, the 3 stones left have not changed. His next check up will be in April.

Prayer Requests:

1. Families of believers to be saved and baptism of believers

2. Health of Mrs. Sonoda-she never knows if she is going to have a hard day or calm day—dizziness; discomfort

3. Bible study with Hitomi Tsuzuki-her salvation; rehab and healing of her knee

4. New inroads to be found into people’s lives and hearts; Mr. Moriyama, Miss Emi, Filipino ladies (who we have not been able to help get here; Town folk

5. Yen/dollar values

Serving Christ Together,

Ken & Vicki Mansell