Shirley: Sabbath Day

It is early Sunday morning in Japan. I am excited to begin this new week! Today, we start by going to worship at a new church in our area, Yokosuka Grace Bible Church, and later at our church plant in Nokendai.

My prayer requests for today and this week:

1. Pray for the Saints: We are the saints of God. The Lord is not found in a building, but within the hearts of those who have put their faith in Him. Therefore, we are the point of access to those who do not know Jesus. We are sent to do His work according to His will. May the Lord fill us with the knowledge of Him, empower us with His Holy Spirit to do His good work, and give us the boldness to execute it. Please pray for all the saints who are ministering today, this Sabbath day.

2. Engage the children and parents at VBS: I read all the blogs and feel the overwhelming need in Japan. We all desperately need a Savior and He has come! We cannot reach the millions all at once, however. But, we do have the chance to engage 24 VBS children and their parents this week at NBF (and at TMK also) for what I hope and pray to be the ONE experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Let us love them with the love the Lord gave each of us. Let us listen to them, watch them, learn what brings the kids joy and what things cause them worry and pain. Let us listen to the parents to hear what they want for their children and themselves, so we can better engage them in conversation that leads to the Truth Himself, Jesus.

3. ESL at the Wingfort: We are trying something new this year by offering ESL classes from 7-8 PM, Monday to Thursday, in the public meeting rooms within our "mansion" (condo = mansion) complex. We pray for the team members who will teach the classes. We pray the Lord would bring people to the classes.

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel...pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:19, 20

4. Change My Heart O God: I am convinced that change begins on the inside. May the Lord have His way with us. Help us to be people whom the Japanese people want to know, want to emulate, enjoy being with. Help us be real people who are not weird or strange. Make us compassionate people who listen as well as act. Make us true servants, quick to serve people in ways that really count, even if it is to offer a glass of water during these hot and humid summer days.

Thanks for partnering with us in prayer. To God be the glory forever and ever, Amen.