The Ending of Seasons

Recently, I have been experiencing a spiritually dry season. Looking back on March, I am struggling a little bit with how to report about it; I don't want my temporary melancholy to shade the good things that God has done.

I continued most of my language classes, but, as it was the break between terms in the Japanese school year, my study schedule was a little more relaxed than usual.

I also was blessed by the opportunity to meet with the ladies with whom I studied the book of Mark last fall. We met for coffee and were able to catch up and enjoy one another. They are all excited for this summer's Let's Start Talking program.

Another blessing this past month was the chance that I had to go to the Sendai Junior Orchestra Spring Concert -- my friend's daughter is a member of the group. It was a great concert and a good time to encourage my friend, Tomomi. So God is blessing me, and I believe he is working through me despite my feeling dry.

Joel and I are beginning to really dig into preparations for the summer Let's Start Talking project. We have started to distribute advertising, and are talking it up to everyone. We have also been trying to prepare the local church members to be as involved as possible in the project. So please be covering that in prayer.

Another blessing that came at the end of the month was the news that there were several people who sent in one-time donations in March that were able to cover my April salary -- praise God! Even though it was a difficult month for me, I am so thankful for the continuing opportunity to serve God in Japan and still feel his call to be here. Almost daily God calls my attention to evidence of the void that is left in the lives of people who don't know God's grace -- he has given me such a wonderful chance to serve him in ways that I could not serve him in the States. That is why I will continue to ask God to help me to overcome the feelings of discouragement that try to creep in, and ask once again for your financial support. I still am receiving only about $1100 in monthly commitments. My current budget calls for $1600 monthly, and this budget is barely enough to cover basic personal and ministry needs. The elders at the Cheyenne Church of Christ approved a new budget of $2250 monthly in January, but I have not been able to begin receiving that amount yet. Please prayerfully consider supporting me financially. I know that the current condition of the global economy may make this kind of support a great sacrifice or even a complete impossibility, but I am asking in faith that God will provide for this work through your generosity.

Please pray with me . . .

~that God will speak through me as I continue to study the Bible with two of my students from last year, and that God will soften their hearts to hear his voice and desire his righteousness.

~that God will bless the summer Let's Start Talking project in Sendai. I pray that he will be with our team as they prepare to come and share their faith. God also please send our advertisements into the hands of the people most ready to hear your Good News.

~a prayer of thanksgiving for the way that God moved in the hearts of the young Asian Christians and seekers who participated in this year's Angkor of Faith mission to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Please continue to pray for the street children there who are so hungry for God's perfect love.

~that God will continue to regrow his joy in my heart and draw me out of this season of dryness.

~that God will continue to bless my language study, help me to remember what I learn and guide me in more and more disciplined study. Also please praise God with me for all the opportunities he gives me to grow and share his love as I depend on so many people to help me to learn Japanese.