Thank you so much for prayerfully and financially partnering with us in this church planting work.
After our time in quarantine last month, we began hunting for a location for the church plant. We looked at several different properties, but they were not good options. One day while driving around one day, I saw a “for rent” sign and called for details. The owner had not listed the space with a real-estate company, so the property was not listed online. The Lord connected us with a Christian real-estate agent named Mr. Watanabe. He helped negotiate our first month of rent free and a lower monthly rent payment (about $100 off). We finalized all the paperwork and got the keys on Oct 21st. Space does not permit me to write all that God has done for this, but more details are available on our website and Facebook group.
The Lord has been with us for our housing, and we found a place to live. It is the 5th floor of an apartment building that is about 15-20 minutes away from the church location. If everything goes as planned, we will be moving in on Oct 29th.
Right now, the church is scheduled to launch on December 12th. Meanwhile, we are preparing the space to use for a church. We are also planning events/activities for the weeks leading up to the launch service including English classes, and a seminar for married couples. This is all happening as we continue to get out and meet new people.
All this comes just as COVID restrictions are beginning to lift in Japan. Case numbers have drastically decreased. The government is scheduled to retract the request for restaurants to shorten their operating hours.
Please pray for the Lord to build HIS church here in Nagoya. Pray not only for the launch day, but for the activities and events leading up to the launch to bear fruit. The Gospel is still power of God that saves all who believe in Jesus. We are expecting the Lord to work but also expect the devil to push back and defend his territory. Pray for protection, guidance, and for the Holy Spirit to work mightily here in Nagoya. The gates of Hell will not prevail!
Yours for Japan,
James Miyashita