Mansells April Praise and Prayer

Dear Praying Friends,

Joshua 21:45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

This verse marks the end of the long war of conquest of the land the Lord God had promised the children of Israel. In this single verse the Lord expresses the motivation each of us need to live fervently daily for the Lord. First, God does not fail in anything. God’s plans and purposes always succeed, whether we see that or not. Secondly, all things work together for good. Romans 8:28 is often quoted at times of trials and is emphasized here that the Lord will always deliver every good thing. Finally, God spoke promises to the children of Israel and they ALL came to pass. In the beginning, God spoke and the heavens and earth came into being. This almighty power of the Lord God is the power behind every promise in the Bible, the Word of God. Let us go forth with this assurance: that God will not fail us but will bring every good thing to fruition.

SCHOOL: April in Japan is when the new school year begins. This means Entrance Ceremonies that include all teachers attending, students and a special recognition to those that just entered that level of schooling (first year of grade school, middle school and high school as well as colleges.) Ken was able to attend all the entrance ceremonies which gave him opportunities to greet returning teachers as well as new ones. He team teaches in all three school levels this year—two with new teachers and one with a current teacher. New ones means new adjustments but also means new opportunities. Many time this leads to witnessing opportunities and possible studies with them here. Thank you for praying for those that Ken comes in contact with on a weekly basis.

ENGLISH CLASSES: We teach English for two purposes—to have outreach with children in the community and help prepare them/encourage them as they study English in their schools and to reach adults when they might not come if they weren’t going to study English. Our Bible studies are given to open that door further into their heart for a DESIRE to know about Christ. It isn’t in the Japanese heart naturally to want to know about Christ. They have thousands of gods—why add another? So please pray for our Bible studies included in English studies to work in people’s heart for: a desire to know more, an understanding of what they are being taught, and always a final goal—their salvation. This may happen during the 3-6 years they are in our area or they may leave with the seeds planted and watered. Our window of opportunity is short. We make it all it can be and leave it all with God to do His will and way in their hearts.

SUNDAY EVENING English study service: Ken has been handing out simple study guidelines with the Bible verses and questions for our Sunday evening Bible study. If Japanese unsaved come, we study through this series a little at a time. By handing out these study sheets to all that might be interested in this study, we get the Word of God in their hands even when they might not come right away. We praise God that the H.S. teacher that Ken has taught with for a couple years and has attended the Christmas program, came to evening study this month. We always have a tea time after that service as well so we can talk to anyone that comes to get to know them better and give more as they open their hearts. Please pray for more adults to attend this service.

MARKS SURVIVE FIRST winter! With spring in view they can relax a little after enduring their first Hokkaido winter which is so different from a Georgia one. Their blood is a little thicker and their hearts just that much softer to the situations that require endurance in this north land. Their studies in language, living and ministering continues forward and we know God will continue to bless their desire and diligence in this training time. Thank you for praying for them.

Prayer Requests:
1.    Physical, Emotional and Spiritual strength from day to day.
2.    Christian wives’ whose husbands and families need to be saved.
3.    Weekly Adult English and Bible studies. (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings)
4.    Weekly Bible study (growth and strengthening in his Christian life) with Dr. Urayama
5.    Japanese language and culture study with the Marks

Serving Christ Together, Ken & Vicki Mansell