Outstanding October

October was filled with Japanese lessons and English lessons and Bible lessons -- with great moments of learning in all of them. I am constantly surprised by the way that God teaches me as I share about my faith and explore the Bible together with friends that have a fresh perspective on God's ways. I am also especially blessed by the Bible study that I lead each week with three middle-aged ladies. One of them has a comparatively high level of English ability, but has not studied the Bible for very long; the other two struggle a little more with their English, but have more knowledge about the Bible. It is so interesting to watch them interact, helping one another. I am amazed by the way God works in that time, and how he blesses my week with the privilege of being there.

One reason that I like October is because my birthday is on the 13th. Kayoko and Debi blessed me with a birthday party. We went to a very delicious Chinese restaurant with 5 or 6 other friends to celebrate. Then afterward Debi treated me to karaoke, which I always love. Later, we met two other friends for coffee and went to karaoke again. Any day with two visits to the karaoke parlor is a great day!

At the end of the month, I experienced my first (and second) Imonikai, which is a gathering (usually outside, sometimes on the bank of a river) at which everyone prepares and eats imoni (a kind of soup). This is a very popular fall activity in this part of Japan. The church hosted an Imonikai for LST participants in the church yard. It was great because almost all of the church members helped in preparing for the party and were able to spend time with some the LST readers.



On Halloween, I joined Debi's kindergarten class for their Halloween Party. It was so much fun to see all the kids dressed up and help them to play fun games. I was in charge of "Pin the Legs on the Spider".


Last month I asked that you be praying for one of my students, the retired man. He is still asking great questions. (He was surprised to learn that I don't think we can be certain that Jesus was born on December 25th!) Recently, he asked me what part of the Bible I would recommend for a beginner studying the Bible -- the Spirit moved me to recommend the Gospel of John. He marked it in his bilingual New Testament, so I am hoping that means he wants to read it on his own. Please pray that he will and that we will have great opportunities to talk about God's love and grace.

Please pray . . .

~that God will continue to reveal his truth to my friends in Japan and that their hearts will be open to his call.

~that God will be with Crimsen, who recently started a new job; and, of course, praise God for providing for Crimsen.

~that God will guide Debi, as she is part of some big transitions that are happening at her school.

~for Joel, as he makes the most of his time of learning and teaching in Thailand.

~that I will be able to trust more fully in God's provision.