This month, we are rejoicing over the kind of fruit that reminds us why long-term ministry matters.
Joy + Relief + Excitement
We climbed into the car and let out a happy sigh of excitement and relief at almost the exact same time.
June Kids Club was over.
And it was our highest turnout yet.
Ten families came, with 19 children participating in total. More than half of the families were first-time attendees, and as they checked in, we realized they had come from several different parts of the city.
Ministering in central Nagoya seems to be helping us reach farther across the city.
Long-term effects
The Kids Club program itself is fairly simple.
We have a memory verse, songs, a brief English lesson, games, and a craft that all connect to the Bible story for the day. In many ways, it is basically a Sunday school or children’s church program.
Parents bring their children because they are interested in English exposure, and then they stay for the fun.
After the program, one first-time attendee said something that got my attention:
“I’ve been following the Kids Club Instagram for over a year.”
Three Years on a Stone
This lady’s words reminded me of a Japanese proverb: “Ishi no ue nimo san nen.” Literally, it means, “three years on a stone.” The idea is that even a cold stone will become warm if you sit on it long enough.
In other words, perseverance matters.
Sometimes it can FEEL like little is happening, but then someone shows up and says, “I’ve been following for over a year.” Being part of the long game is passible because people like YOU pray and give. Thanks for making this possible!
Please pray with us as we continue this monthly outreach and prepare to use the summer break to connect with more families.
The First Sunday Downtown
This month was also the church’s long-anticipated move to our new meeting space in central Nagoya.
Our pastor and his son from our home church in Georgia happened to be visiting the weekend of our first service downtown, and it was special to have them with us for that exciting day.
It is not a permanent home for the church, but it is an important step toward the downtown vision we have been praying about.
The space gives us a visible location in a more central part of the city, and we are asking God to use it as a place where people can hear the Bible, meet believers, and begin learning about Christ.
God Is Providing
When we first moved into the new space, we did not have enough chairs.
But a generous donation from one of our supporting churches allowed us to purchase the chairs we needed for Sunday services. Additionally, another church let us know that they had decided to partner with us financially.
God is answering your prayers for our needed support!
We are still rebuilding and still praying for the funds needed for downtown operations and expanded outreach, but these gifts have been a timely encouragement to us.
Future laborers
We are also encouraged by what God is doing through the spring recon trip.
One couple and one young man who came on the trip have now received the green light from their respective churches to take the next steps toward serving in Japan.
Please continue to pray for God to send more people!
What Are You Rejoicing About?
As always, we would love to hear from you.
Has God answered a prayer, encouraged you, or opened a door in your life or ministry recently? Please write back and let us know how we can pray with you or rejoice with you right now.
Yours for Japan,
The Miyashita Family
Click here for a printable 1-page letter.
Prayer Requests
- Ongoing kids and family outreach
- Church growth in the new downtown location
- Future teammates and workers for Japan
- Ministry funds for downtown operations and expanded outreach
Meeting in our new space for the church