This summer, we decided to ‘go on the offense’ and pass fans out in front of shrines and temples during their festivals. Our family and several volunteers (including a gentleman from another church in Nagoya) handed out around 3400 fans!
We put Acts 17:24 and the following verses on the fans: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands”. Please be praying that God will use this scripture to work in people’s hearts and lives.
In August, we also began a 3-month guitar class and have had 7 people coming. Please be praying for us as we build these relationships and share the Gospel.
During August, many parts of Japan celebrate Obon, a time of year when it is believed that ancestors’ spirits come back and visit. We weren’t sure how things would go for the church plant during Obon, but we actually had first-time visitors!
While attendance at the second location has been poor, the Sunday before Obon, we had two first-time visitors. One of them had been following our church social media and finally decided to come. The other gentleman received a fan and came to check us out. Please continue to pray with us about a good place for the second church location.
The digital age we live in has been a huge blessing. For example, a lady who has been attending our church with her husband has started helping out with some of the office work at the church. Even though they don’t live in Nagoya, she can work remotely to assist with office work. Additionally, we had a “guest speaker” via Zoom share about an upcoming work in Hiroshima, Japan. Though our church isn’t even paying all of its own bills, we want to instill an outward focus in this young church plant so people will realize that God is working in many areas and many ways.
Yours for Japan,
James Miyashita