Monthly Archives: October 2019

Passing the Test(s)

Posted on by
Reply

How is your sanctification coming along?

Aren’t you grateful that God doesn’t leave us “as is” after we become His child? His desire is for us to become more and more like His Son, Jesus Christ, in our thoughts, actions, and character.

To enable us to grow and change (for the better!) God allows trials and tests into our lives. Sometimes He brings the same kinds of tests repeatedly into our lives, training us to turn to Him more quickly for strength, for truth, and for peace.

Personally, I have been through many tests that have challenged my fears. The first time to meet a Fear Challenge (of unknowns, things that cause me to worry, etc.), it took me some time to finally come to a place of peace and absolute trust in God to get me through. The next trial of a similar theme saw me learn from the past and have faith in God’s plan… And it took me less time to figure it out!

This month, I had another variation of that theme on a Monday. I quickly focused on God, not my trial, finding the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7). Victory!

But then . . .

The very next day I faced a different kind of trial. This one no longer attacked my fears but something else I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Frankly, I’m still learning some three weeks later. But God is teaching me to fill my mind with Scripture, Christian music, Christian books, prayer, and faith in God’s sufficiency to meet my needs. After some painful self-evaluation, I am realizing that the origin of my angst is most likely due to a root of pride. Ouch!

So, now that I’m mostly through this most recent challenge, I want to be prepared for the next time it hits me. I wrote down what helped me through it this time. As soon as I recognize the signs of this trial again, I can more quickly head the right way. My confusion and wrong thinking can be replaced with truth, wisdom, and that peace that God desires each of us to have no matter what the situation. I’m beginning to see that most of my problems (maybe all!) stem from a lack of faith in our all-knowing, all-powerful God.

So, what challenges are you facing this week? Are you experiencing God’s mind-blowing peace yet? If not, what is standing in your way? Do you tend to struggle with similar challenges? What can help you have victory more quickly next time you face this?

Fantastic Fall!

Posted on by
Reply

Are you having a far-fetched, fun, frivolous, fantastic fall? Frankly, we hope so. Let’s focus on some fall facts from the field of Japan!

Fall Retreat

First, we enjoyed meeting with our church family from various groups with whom we fellowship. We met at a local resort/meeting area, discussing how as a church we are like a three-strand cord that is not easily broken. With Japanese churches being so small (as well as few and far between), we find that meeting together can be a huge encouragement to fellow Christians. The church is so much bigger than simply our small group of believers!

Falks’ Visit

Dakota and Ashley Falk from Michigan visited Japan on a survey trip, considering missions here. They were able to attend the Fall Retreat, as well as spend time with each of the three ABWE church-plant areas. Thank you for your continued prayer support for the Lord of the Harvest to raise up new workers for His harvest field. We are still praying for more help! If the Lord leads, we will gladly welcome the Falks to our team!

Folk Music with a Family Flair

Our family – all five of us! – have participated in three different concerts in the past month or so. Mostly, we do this to generate funds for our coffee shops (and to pay our employees!). But we also sing and play to cross paths with new people and old friends.

Finally, I am finished. Farewell! (Aren’t I funny?)