Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you are all keeping warm as winter approaches. During the month of October we had some good opportunities where people heard the Gospel. Even though the ground is rock hard here and people often seem to be indifferent when confronted with questions about life or death or just better living in general, some good Spirit led conversations have been taking place.
At Hiroshima International University we had a very probing conversation during our Monday night English Bible study. After reading about Jesus and his disciples, the question was asked, "Would you follow Jesus?" One student said, "No, because I don't understand him." Which was very honest. Another student said, "Maybe...because he teaches good things." These two responses are par for the course here...But, they keep coming back and "Maybe" the Lord will open up their hearts that they may be saved! Please pray for the students of this class.
At Daichi church on Wednesday nights, we have the regular attendance from a couple of Pastor Lee's daughters and an elementary school student from the neighborhood named Natsuko. For our adult class, other than a couple of church members, we have had one faithful student named Yuko coming to our Wednesday night class. Recently God has opened the door to very deep conversations during our adult class. We have been able to continuously preach the Gospel while teaching through the various scriptures we have studied. As result of our time to together, as God has led the way, we were able to give Yuko a Bible. Of course, we pray that all such efforts would bare fruit. Please pray for these classes.
Our Tuesday night Prayer and Worship time for the city of Hiroshima continues to gather and we appreciate your prayers as the Spirit leads.
Please also pray for Pastor Lee and his family as they have made a decision to home school their children next year. It is not an easy decision since this is a group culture and his oldest son is a 6th grader who has been in the system since the first grade. One of the reasons for the change is due to the endless activities that take place on Sundays. The Lord's day is not a priority here. Particularly, if you are in a school club or sports team, the activities and games usually fall on Sundays. Additionally, school community events also fall on Sundays and there is great pressure for parents, Christian or not, to join the group. That being said, Pastor Lee has been faithful throughout, and has not allowed his children to play the Sunday games or attend the events. I respect him for this decision, especially since some members and or/ pastors of other churches don't think it is such a big deal. As a result, I believe the church is suffering as cultural expectations infiltrate into the church (I believe this is a world-wide epidemic). I think Jesus made it pretty simple when He said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." Please pray for the Christians of Japan to stand up and stand out and be radical in a country where being radical generally has severe social consequences.
Thanks for reading,
In Jesus,
Tyler
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
September Newsletter
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope all is well. God continues to be faithful in all things as we begin a new season here in Hiroshima Japan.
Although we are only a handful, our Tuesday night worship and prayer has time has been a wonderful blessing to the few who are faithful to attend. We continue to lift up the people of Hiroshima in prayer while also worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and allowing for the gifts of the Spirit should the Lord allow. I have been so blessed by this time, particularly because we all just simply show up to seek the Lord together. Of course, structure is a good thing, and the Lord does desire order in the church, but this time of "whatever the Lord has in store" as we wait on and worship Him seems also to be a good thing resulting in the group being recharged and refreshed each and every time. Hallelujah!
Our Wednesday Children's English class/English Bible Study study has also been good. This group has always been just a few, but each season seems to bring at least one new face if not more. This season in our children's English class we have Natsuko, Yuki, Kazuki, Onyu, Hawn, and Chang-soo. We pray that they would grow up knowing the Lord. For our Bible study class we have Beth, Ms. Yamada, and Yuko(if I'm not mistaken) who have been joining us thus far.
Mr. Iimura is not longer attending and has informed one of our church members that it is because he doesn't want to hear about the Bible or Jesus anymore. Of course, I hope that he will have a change of heart. Overall, he has been presented with the truth of Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior and has made his choice and there is not much more we can do for him except remain available if he should choose to return.
We have just began a Saturday evening Bible study here in Kure which we are hoping to continue once or twice per month. Our first meeting included three people from three different countries united in Christ; sister Yukiji (Japan), brother Tyrone (Philippines), and myself (America) as we studied the first chapter of Luke together. Tyrone was particularly blessed when we read Luke 1:37 which states, "With God nothing shall be impossible." Such a short verse but with tremdous truth, especially since it was in reference to the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!
School is back in session at Hiroshima International University as of today, so I am looking forward to the monthly Bible study during brother Tim's Monday night English class going on there as the Lord wills.
We will have two Jazz for Jesus concerts at two local cafes next month on 11/21 and 11/22 where we will be publicly reading scripture and playing instrumental music. We will also have tracts available. We pray that the Lord would be glorified in this endeavor.
Thank you for reading! Please pray as the Spirit leads.
In Jesus,
Tyler
I hope all is well. God continues to be faithful in all things as we begin a new season here in Hiroshima Japan.
Although we are only a handful, our Tuesday night worship and prayer has time has been a wonderful blessing to the few who are faithful to attend. We continue to lift up the people of Hiroshima in prayer while also worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and allowing for the gifts of the Spirit should the Lord allow. I have been so blessed by this time, particularly because we all just simply show up to seek the Lord together. Of course, structure is a good thing, and the Lord does desire order in the church, but this time of "whatever the Lord has in store" as we wait on and worship Him seems also to be a good thing resulting in the group being recharged and refreshed each and every time. Hallelujah!
Our Wednesday Children's English class/English Bible Study study has also been good. This group has always been just a few, but each season seems to bring at least one new face if not more. This season in our children's English class we have Natsuko, Yuki, Kazuki, Onyu, Hawn, and Chang-soo. We pray that they would grow up knowing the Lord. For our Bible study class we have Beth, Ms. Yamada, and Yuko(if I'm not mistaken) who have been joining us thus far.
Mr. Iimura is not longer attending and has informed one of our church members that it is because he doesn't want to hear about the Bible or Jesus anymore. Of course, I hope that he will have a change of heart. Overall, he has been presented with the truth of Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior and has made his choice and there is not much more we can do for him except remain available if he should choose to return.
We have just began a Saturday evening Bible study here in Kure which we are hoping to continue once or twice per month. Our first meeting included three people from three different countries united in Christ; sister Yukiji (Japan), brother Tyrone (Philippines), and myself (America) as we studied the first chapter of Luke together. Tyrone was particularly blessed when we read Luke 1:37 which states, "With God nothing shall be impossible." Such a short verse but with tremdous truth, especially since it was in reference to the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ!
School is back in session at Hiroshima International University as of today, so I am looking forward to the monthly Bible study during brother Tim's Monday night English class going on there as the Lord wills.
We will have two Jazz for Jesus concerts at two local cafes next month on 11/21 and 11/22 where we will be publicly reading scripture and playing instrumental music. We will also have tracts available. We pray that the Lord would be glorified in this endeavor.
Thank you for reading! Please pray as the Spirit leads.
In Jesus,
Tyler
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
July/August Newsletter
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you are all well. It has been a good summer, full of different events and activities and overall good rest. So much to be thankful for, praise the Lord.
I was able to return home for a couple weeks to visit family and friends. My main intention for returning was to visit my dear brother Micah Stout who is battling cancer. Please pray for his healing if it be His will.
Also this summer during the weekend of August 13-16 we played a total of four concerts; three at local establishments where we gave out tract-like postcards which stated our group history having started as a jam session at the church in addition to the wonderful Word of John 3:16. Our final fourth concert took place at Daichi Church after the service where we read Psalms in between songs. Those who attended told us they were indeed edified and refreshed by the reading of scriptures during our concert.
Praise the Lord for the edification of the body of Christ! Praise the Lord for the good relationships which were established during these times! Also, praise the Lord for our two non-believing friends Yuh Nagai and Kouji Hirai who played guitar and keyboards with us and heard the Gospel message in addition to witnessing the love of God demonstrated by the body of Christ! Of course, we pray they may one day be saved.
Our classes at the Hiroshima International University on Mondays will resume in October since they have an extended break.
Our Tuesday Praise and Worship time at Daichi church will resume Sept. 8th.
Our Thursday English Bible study will resume Sept. 10th.
Please pray as the Spirit leads.
Thanks for reading and may we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus in whatever we are doing!
In Jesus,
Tyler
I hope you are all well. It has been a good summer, full of different events and activities and overall good rest. So much to be thankful for, praise the Lord.
I was able to return home for a couple weeks to visit family and friends. My main intention for returning was to visit my dear brother Micah Stout who is battling cancer. Please pray for his healing if it be His will.
Also this summer during the weekend of August 13-16 we played a total of four concerts; three at local establishments where we gave out tract-like postcards which stated our group history having started as a jam session at the church in addition to the wonderful Word of John 3:16. Our final fourth concert took place at Daichi Church after the service where we read Psalms in between songs. Those who attended told us they were indeed edified and refreshed by the reading of scriptures during our concert.
Praise the Lord for the edification of the body of Christ! Praise the Lord for the good relationships which were established during these times! Also, praise the Lord for our two non-believing friends Yuh Nagai and Kouji Hirai who played guitar and keyboards with us and heard the Gospel message in addition to witnessing the love of God demonstrated by the body of Christ! Of course, we pray they may one day be saved.
Our classes at the Hiroshima International University on Mondays will resume in October since they have an extended break.
Our Tuesday Praise and Worship time at Daichi church will resume Sept. 8th.
Our Thursday English Bible study will resume Sept. 10th.
Please pray as the Spirit leads.
Thanks for reading and may we continue to keep our eyes on Jesus in whatever we are doing!
In Jesus,
Tyler
Thursday, July 2, 2009
June Newsletter
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Here is what has been happening in June:
Praise Report:
*It was a blessing to be able to share from Isaiah about Hezikiah to college students from Korea at a gathering in Tokuyama. It was quite a detailed study, but I trust the Lord lead us the entire time.
*I received good marks on my recent M.A. paper, praise the Lord!
Our Monday night English/Bible study at Hiroshima International University has seen regular attendance from Junko, Su-jong, and Kaori. We also have about five or so other students who come fairly regularly. On the last Monday of each month we have a Bible study. It is always probing and students are usually very open and honest. This past Monday at our Bible study, one of the ladies was asked about her thoughts on "eternal life". Her response was interesting and sad...she said she could not imagine the idea of eternal life since she was a Buddhist. This is a pretty good example of how challenging it can be just to talk about Biblical concepts in Japan. Thankfully, we trust that God is at work and we are just instruments.
On Tuesday nights we have just begun a Prayer and Worship meeting at Daichi church. It is a time for musical worship, prayer, scripture reading, and the manifestation of the gifts of the spirit. Particularly with the gifts of the Sprirt, it is defintely someting that I believe the Lord is encouraging us to take part in during this time, especially because the common practices of the Japanese church is to focus on other things than the edification of the body through the gifts of the Spirit. Paul tells us, "I would not have you be igonorant of (the gifts of the Spirirt)"(1Cor.12:1) The point is we as a group on Tuesday nights have been very blessed as we gather in Jesus name seeking to pray for the city of Hiroshima and to edify the body of Christ according to the God's Word.
The Thrusday night English class at Daichi church seems to have weened this past month. Attendance has been low overall. Perhaps it is because summer break is near which means we will be wrapping it up as of July 9th until September. Nevertheless, we have been able to continue preaching the Gospel to the non-believers who attend. As for the future of this class, may God's will be done.
Concert preparations have continued and we are excited to be venturing out this August to be playing instrumental music in some rather secular venues such as a bar, two cafes, and at Daichi church. Our purpose for this group is two fold. First, Two of the five members of this group are non-believers and we intend on bearing witness to them while rehearsing at the church and playing together in various locations...Second, we will be sharing the Gospel. Basically, we will tell the story of our group history right before taking our break.
Here is what I will be saying (Interpreted into English):
"We began as a "Jam Session" at Mitaki Green Chapel. Most of us are Christians. We believe "That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whosoever will believe in Him will not perish but have ever lasting life." (John 3:16) If you would like to know more we'd love to talk with you or you can simply take some literature available over here. Thank you for coming. We will be back in twenty minutes or so. Stick around."
We pray this time will be fruitful endeavor.
Lastly, contray to my prior newsletter which stated I would be going to Cambodia; I have changed my plans and will be returning to the States to visit my dear brother in Christ Micah Stout who is battling cancer in Atlanta, Georgia. Please pray for complete healing of his body.
Thanks for reading. Please pray as the Spirit leads. May the Lord continue to lead and guide us each and every step.
In Jesus,
Tyler
Here is what has been happening in June:
Praise Report:
*It was a blessing to be able to share from Isaiah about Hezikiah to college students from Korea at a gathering in Tokuyama. It was quite a detailed study, but I trust the Lord lead us the entire time.
*I received good marks on my recent M.A. paper, praise the Lord!
Our Monday night English/Bible study at Hiroshima International University has seen regular attendance from Junko, Su-jong, and Kaori. We also have about five or so other students who come fairly regularly. On the last Monday of each month we have a Bible study. It is always probing and students are usually very open and honest. This past Monday at our Bible study, one of the ladies was asked about her thoughts on "eternal life". Her response was interesting and sad...she said she could not imagine the idea of eternal life since she was a Buddhist. This is a pretty good example of how challenging it can be just to talk about Biblical concepts in Japan. Thankfully, we trust that God is at work and we are just instruments.
On Tuesday nights we have just begun a Prayer and Worship meeting at Daichi church. It is a time for musical worship, prayer, scripture reading, and the manifestation of the gifts of the spirit. Particularly with the gifts of the Sprirt, it is defintely someting that I believe the Lord is encouraging us to take part in during this time, especially because the common practices of the Japanese church is to focus on other things than the edification of the body through the gifts of the Spirit. Paul tells us, "I would not have you be igonorant of (the gifts of the Spirirt)"(1Cor.12:1) The point is we as a group on Tuesday nights have been very blessed as we gather in Jesus name seeking to pray for the city of Hiroshima and to edify the body of Christ according to the God's Word.
The Thrusday night English class at Daichi church seems to have weened this past month. Attendance has been low overall. Perhaps it is because summer break is near which means we will be wrapping it up as of July 9th until September. Nevertheless, we have been able to continue preaching the Gospel to the non-believers who attend. As for the future of this class, may God's will be done.
Concert preparations have continued and we are excited to be venturing out this August to be playing instrumental music in some rather secular venues such as a bar, two cafes, and at Daichi church. Our purpose for this group is two fold. First, Two of the five members of this group are non-believers and we intend on bearing witness to them while rehearsing at the church and playing together in various locations...Second, we will be sharing the Gospel. Basically, we will tell the story of our group history right before taking our break.
Here is what I will be saying (Interpreted into English):
"We began as a "Jam Session" at Mitaki Green Chapel. Most of us are Christians. We believe "That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whosoever will believe in Him will not perish but have ever lasting life." (John 3:16) If you would like to know more we'd love to talk with you or you can simply take some literature available over here. Thank you for coming. We will be back in twenty minutes or so. Stick around."
We pray this time will be fruitful endeavor.
Lastly, contray to my prior newsletter which stated I would be going to Cambodia; I have changed my plans and will be returning to the States to visit my dear brother in Christ Micah Stout who is battling cancer in Atlanta, Georgia. Please pray for complete healing of his body.
Thanks for reading. Please pray as the Spirit leads. May the Lord continue to lead and guide us each and every step.
In Jesus,
Tyler
Monday, June 8, 2009
May Newsletter
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Summer is near! I hope you are all doing well! I will just jump right in...
Our Thursday night English class has continued as usual. The Lord has put it on my heart to take a few minutes during each class, especially with the children, to talk about Jesus and how accessible He is through prayer at anytime. The kids have responded well, and appear to be relatively equipped for receiving the Lord...After our discussions, its game time as usual! The adults have also been responsive and I trust that through the passages we have studied they are also relatively equipped when the Lord should call upon their hearts to receive Him. Therefore, we continue to pray for Natsuko, Ms. Yamada, Mr. Iimura, Sowon, Junsoo and the Youn family.
Also with Pastor Lee and some of the Daichi members, on June 20th we will be meeting with Korean exchange students in Tokuyama. Please pray that the Lord would provide and prepare all the things to make this a great trip. Many of the students are not Christian, so of course we want this to be a fruitful time! His will be done!!!
Monday nights have been steady at Hiroshima International University. Praise the Lord the Jehovah's Witness who was attending and appeared to be a "wolf" trying to influence the students has not been attending!!! At the class we have seen Kaori, Junko, Satoshi, Makoto, and Su-youn on a regular basis. Su-youn is already a believer and the Lord has used her to share insights with the other students during our once per month Bible study. Our last once per month Bible study was a good one indeed, especially since we were able to go in depth about the trinity or our monotheistic God. We didn't expect to go there, but the Lord lead every step. Praise the Lord these students have heard the gospel!!!...Of course, we pray that they may they receive salvation.
Jamming for Jesus took an interesting turn when our piano player and bass player couple dropped out this past month. The Lord lead them into a different direction. But, as the Lord "taketh away" the Lord also "giveth" and we have been blessed with John from Daichi church who has agreed to sing and do outreaches with us. We will have rehaearsal tomorrow (Tuesday). Praise the Lord! May He lead us in the partculars this summer.
Also, my friend Yuh Nagai will be coming down in August to play a few concerts with me and a few others from the local churches here in Hiroshima. We will be paying instrumental music at these events, in addition to playing at Daichi church on Sunday with Bible reading. Pastor Lee has asked me to give the message that morning especially since Yuh will be there and it might be good for him to hear what the Lord puts on my heart. Please pray that May Yuh be saved and that the Lord will use this time to reach others!
Lastly, July 21-28th I will be visiting the Records in Cambodia. They are a missionary family I met at Mitaki Green Chapel. Please pray that the Lord would lead every step of this trip and that it would be a blessing for all of us!
Praise the Lord for my M.A. studies which continue to go well, and for the refreshed attitude toward studying Japanese!
Thanks for reading! May the Lord be glorified in our lives!
In Jesus,
Tyler
Summer is near! I hope you are all doing well! I will just jump right in...
Our Thursday night English class has continued as usual. The Lord has put it on my heart to take a few minutes during each class, especially with the children, to talk about Jesus and how accessible He is through prayer at anytime. The kids have responded well, and appear to be relatively equipped for receiving the Lord...After our discussions, its game time as usual! The adults have also been responsive and I trust that through the passages we have studied they are also relatively equipped when the Lord should call upon their hearts to receive Him. Therefore, we continue to pray for Natsuko, Ms. Yamada, Mr. Iimura, Sowon, Junsoo and the Youn family.
Also with Pastor Lee and some of the Daichi members, on June 20th we will be meeting with Korean exchange students in Tokuyama. Please pray that the Lord would provide and prepare all the things to make this a great trip. Many of the students are not Christian, so of course we want this to be a fruitful time! His will be done!!!
Monday nights have been steady at Hiroshima International University. Praise the Lord the Jehovah's Witness who was attending and appeared to be a "wolf" trying to influence the students has not been attending!!! At the class we have seen Kaori, Junko, Satoshi, Makoto, and Su-youn on a regular basis. Su-youn is already a believer and the Lord has used her to share insights with the other students during our once per month Bible study. Our last once per month Bible study was a good one indeed, especially since we were able to go in depth about the trinity or our monotheistic God. We didn't expect to go there, but the Lord lead every step. Praise the Lord these students have heard the gospel!!!...Of course, we pray that they may they receive salvation.
Jamming for Jesus took an interesting turn when our piano player and bass player couple dropped out this past month. The Lord lead them into a different direction. But, as the Lord "taketh away" the Lord also "giveth" and we have been blessed with John from Daichi church who has agreed to sing and do outreaches with us. We will have rehaearsal tomorrow (Tuesday). Praise the Lord! May He lead us in the partculars this summer.
Also, my friend Yuh Nagai will be coming down in August to play a few concerts with me and a few others from the local churches here in Hiroshima. We will be paying instrumental music at these events, in addition to playing at Daichi church on Sunday with Bible reading. Pastor Lee has asked me to give the message that morning especially since Yuh will be there and it might be good for him to hear what the Lord puts on my heart. Please pray that May Yuh be saved and that the Lord will use this time to reach others!
Lastly, July 21-28th I will be visiting the Records in Cambodia. They are a missionary family I met at Mitaki Green Chapel. Please pray that the Lord would lead every step of this trip and that it would be a blessing for all of us!
Praise the Lord for my M.A. studies which continue to go well, and for the refreshed attitude toward studying Japanese!
Thanks for reading! May the Lord be glorified in our lives!
In Jesus,
Tyler
Friday, May 29, 2009
Hiroshima International University
On Monday we had an excellent class at the Hiroshima International University. Brother Tim and I were able to share the gospel with four non-believers...We used a text call "Book of Hope" which is designed for Japanese students. The Lord allowed us to go in depth and present the gospel with full force...We actually went about twenty minutes over...Lord willing, it was a fruitful time.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Golden Week Ｇ．Ｗ．
We had an excellent Golden Week. My friend Yuh Nagai came to visit from Kanagawa area. He joined us on guitar for our three events.
Ｇ．Ｗ．はすばらしかった！ながいゆうさんかながわから来ました。三回のＪＦＪのＥＶＥＮＴＳといしょうにギターをひった。
We played by Ota river where people heard the Bible being read in public. We played at a cafe called Jervis where we built relationships with others. Finally, at Daichi church where we played for Korean students who were on a retreat and encouraged them telling them that God has a plan and has given gifts to each of us.
私たちは大田川で音楽の時にせいしょうを読みましたので人たちが聞きました。ＪＥＲＶＩＳのカフェで音楽をひっていましたから人たち会いました。だいち教会で留学生から音楽をひったのあとで、神様のプランとギフトのメーセジを言ってあげました。
The Lord was working during this time and particularly allowed for Yuh to hear his Word, listen to my testimony, and see the fellowship of believers. I pray that Yuh can one day be saved.
ながいさんは神のことばを聞いて、私のストリーも聞いて、神様の愛からクリスチャンのほうが見ました。私はながいさんをくりすちゃんになりたいことがほしいからを祈りします。
At this point, we are preparing our Jamming for Jesus group for summer events. Please pray for our group to have opportunities and be used by the Lord to reach the Lost.
今からＪＦＪの夏ＥＶＥＮＴＳがじゅんびします。これから、お祈りしてください。
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