January 2024
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Revelations 2:7
In each of the seven letters to the seven churches in the Book of the Revelation, this phrase is used. As we meditate upon this admonition, we might begin by asking ourselves if we have an ear. Not the physical protrusion out each side of our head which is wonderfully designed by our Creator to receive sounds and information, but the ear of our heart. It is when truth reaches to the decision-making area of our souls, the heart, that the truth of the Bible can truly make a difference in our lives. The Spirit is speaking but are we listening: truly and submissively listening? Our prayer is that we each would have our heart's ear open and listening to what the Lord would have us learn and obey as the Spirit speaks to us through the Word of God.
March and April ran together this year as we spent 19 days in Okinawa with Lighthouse Baptist Church, Pastor and Mrs. Charles Callahan and at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Yamato City in the Tokyo area with Pastor and Mrs. Bill Lyons. The first 11 days were spent in a remodeling project in the church building replacing an old electrical system above the ceiling as well as replacing the ceiling and lights. Ken preached for three services there and one for a midweek service at Shinko Baptist Church. At Lighthouse Baptist Church Yamato, Ken presented the work to the military church there, preaching in their services finishing up their missions conference. We enjoyed great fellowship with these dear folks and the brethren at each place. While with the Lyons we were able to make a two day side trip to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary with the Lyons graciously being our tour guides as we searched out 2 lighthouses and 3 castles. We filled a partial day in a first time adventure of riding the trains in the big city area so we could meet up with fellow missionaries, Eli and Katie Guiltner who we had only talked to by phone. This working vacation was a great blessing to us and we returned ready to see what the Lord had planned for us here with the new fiscal year in place.
While we were gone several things took place:
Mr. Asada, who you have faithfully prayed for salvation, met his Maker after fighting leukemia for quite some time. We are saddened not knowing whether he ever thought about his eternity beyond the times Ken witnessed to him. He attended our Christmas programs regularly and he was given written materials including John/Romans over this time as well. We cannot dwell on the what-ifs, but now press onward, praying for new opportunities with the mayor who was just voted in, Mr. Sasaki. We do not know him as well but we ask God to open doors with this man and other councilmen in the days and months ahead.
The job transfer system brought in a Christian young man in his 30s named Mr. Saito. Due to being gone and then the long spring vacation taking place we have not talked to him extensively, but look forward to getting to know him during the time he is here which will probably be 2-3 years. We always pray for our job transfer contacts, that they will also have churches in the area they are moved to and thankful we can be here for those that come into Teshio.
Prayer requests:
1. Mrs. Sonoda, Mrs. Kawabata; and salvation for their husbands
2. New fiscal year brings in new contacts—open doors and hearts
3. Ways to meet and get to know the new mayor and councilmen
4. For Mr. Saito to be a bright light of testimony in Teshio!
Serving Christ Together, Ken & Vicki
Just A Prayer At Night – Your evening is our daytime!
45th wedding anniversary
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