In our last prayer letter, we wrote to you about the special White Day event that the church was going to hold on March 14th. We would like to thank you for your prayers. We had several first-time visitors. One especially, continues to come back on a weekly basis so far. Additionally, the gentleman that had been helping us with Rosie’s paperwork at the language school came. He was transitioning out of his role at the language school and about to move to Tokyo for another job, but we were glad that he came and heard the Gospel.
Speaking of language school, Rosie’s will have her placement test on April 19th In the meantime, she continues to meet with a tutor and go around town practicing her Japanese. Please pray for Rosie as she begins her official language school on the 22nd.
Silas is also doing well. He can already sit up and has started pulling up and trying to stand already. We are amazed at how quickly our six-month-old son is growing up!
During March, we also began working to distribute large amounts of literature to the areas surrounding the church. There are 5000+ residences within a 15-minute walking distance from the church. One week while distributing literature, I was able to talk with a man who said he would come to church on Sunday.
Sure enough, he came! After Bro Hill preached and gave the invitation, Mr. Kawase responded and trusted Christ. He had previously been to another Baptist church in a different part of Japan, but that day he said that he wanted to turn from his other religions and trust Jesus.
In this situation, we were reminded of when Paul wrote “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). We were merely able to reap what had already been sown. This harvest is not of our own doing. It is the result of God working in people’s lives and through you who prayerfully and financially support us. Thank you.
Finally, we would like for you to continue to pray for Ms. Yuko to get saved. She is torn between her Buddhism and the truth of God’s word but continues to attend services each week. Rosie especially feels this desire since Ms. Yuko has been helping Rosie with her Japanese.
Yours for Japan,
James, Rosie, and Silas