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Read the most recent news and prayer requests here. Please continue to pray and support the work as we reach out to the lost. This news feed is from Facebook, but you do not need an account to view it.
HOMESTAY MINISTRY
"English immersion" programs are very popular with the Japanese, and many spend a small fortune to travel overseas to just live with an English-speaking family for a time. Through the Thomas couple, the Lord has opened a door to serve the community in this way through a local “mini-homestay” program right here in Ikoma, Japan!
A couple months ago, Ed and Toby Thomas began opening their house to friends in the community to give them a taste of Texas without having to leave Japan.
Through doing life together over several days, the Thomas couple has the opportunity to invite their guests into their daily walk with the Lord. This happens in simple ways through visits to church together on a Sunday or prayer before meals, but also in more intimate ways as they share their lives with each other in deeper conversation.
Pray with us for Ed and Toby as they have finished their fourth homestay in just two months and begin plans for the next one! Please also pray that the Lord would soften the hearts of future “homestayers” and that He would use the time together to truly transform lives here in Ikoma.
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How cool you guys!!
So good!
More grace to the family
CHILDREN
Many children are being introduced to the teachings of Christ through childcare and English outreach programs in partnership with local churches. Pray with us that seeds planted will bear fruit in the fullness of God’s time.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
japanmission.org/ministries/english-outreach/
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GOLDEN WEEK
Last week was one of the most festive times of the year in Japan known as Golden Week. The period includes four national holidays and stretched from 29 April to May 6th.
It was one of the busiest times of year for travel as millions of people made the most of the extended time off and beautiful spring weather. Traffic all over the country was INCREDIBLE! After a week of hard play it’s back to work for Japan.
publicholidays.jp/golden-week/
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FLIP-SIDE
Experiencing Japan as a visitor can be remarkable because you are on the receiving end of some of the best service in the world. You often find the people are courteous, food tastes great and hospitality is fantastic!
The flip-side to this however, is a work environment and society with some of the highest expectations in the world. Although most Japanese learn to adapt to this way of life after entering the workforce, there are many who can’t handle the pressures of society and shut themselves off from the world.
JM staff have relationships with many Japanese who struggle this way, and they are often drawn to Churches as they find that they are accepted just as they are. Pray with us for deliverance from the lies that keep many in bondage, and wisdom for pastors and missionaries who deal with the complex issues that lie at the root of these problems.
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Praying for you!
We were just praying for the hikikomori in Japan at a church planting conference this week!
Amen! The pressures of society is also trickling all the way down to elementary age children with over 300,000 students not attending school (last reported).
PRAY, SHARE, GIVE, JOIN THE TEAM!
japanmission.org/partner-with-us/
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LONGING FOR EASTER
One mother told us they were not planning to join our Easter event but her child insisted so hard that she changed her mind. Only 5 kids were expected at that event but after inviting their friends, 11 kids showed up!
Deep down, every child longs to experience and hear about the love God has for them.
The Japan Mission team puts on many events throughout Kansai with small groups of students and friends during Easter. They put a lot of work into making it something people genuinely want to come to so they can hear Jesus’s message of love for them.
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””
Matthew 19:14
Thank you for your prayers during this Easter season!
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PRAY, SHARE, GIVE, JOIN THE TEAM!
japanmission.org/partner-with-us/
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🙏 Amen
Powerful quote! Biblical command paraphrased!
I am praying for you 💕🙏 in all time's
VIDEO UPDATE
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Wonderful update, Alex, on this blessed Good Friday! ✝️
Awesome to see the growth! Miss yall!
Great to hear what God is doing.
Good Friday to you everyone...
Easter weekend changes everything for us.
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HALLELUJA!
PRAY, SHARE, GIVE, JOIN THE TEAM!
japanmission.org/partner-with-us/
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Amen
Amen 🙏🙏
Amen ✝️
RETURNEES
Japanese often find faith in Christ and thrive while living overseas. But many challenges await them as they return to Japan and face societal opposition, and struggle to find a good Christian community.
Sometimes we receive requests from overseas to help bridge the gap, and connect these Japanese returnees with a spiritual home back in Japan.
Pray with us for these Japanese returnees who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good! That they might find solid community in Japan and continue to grow and shine their light where they are planted.
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FRESH BEGINNINGS
In Japan, April is the beginning of everything!
It means back to school for kids, the start of a new year for companies, and the beginning of so many other things in the daily lives of the Japanese. As the aroma of cherry blossoms fill the air you can sense the new season arriving for 2025.
Pray with us as we also share the fresh beginnings we enjoy in our daily walk with the Lord during this Easter season.
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TIME CAPSULE
6years ago, 7 kindergartners graduated CAYA Kinder and wrote letters to their future selves and their parents as they took their next steps into elementary school.
Last week we gathered all these kids who are now going into junior high to dig up the time capsule, reconnect, and share about their next steps as they begin junior high.
It was truly a moving time reconnecting with the kids and their families…
Please pray with us as these children grow into young adults, and the bonds formed with their families grow deeper. May the Lord truly bless each one.
(Picture taken 2019)
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