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The “Gospel Ship” in the Inland Sea of Japan (circa 1900)
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Rev. Takahashi and Nishi Okamoto Church (Dec. 2008)
Dear friends,
This is the time of the year when the WORLD MISSION OFFERING is taken to support International Ministries. Since 1814, American Baptists and International Ministries have been sending and supporting missionaries and ministry around the world. Since 1873, there has been a Baptist witness here in Japan, thanks to you and to those who went before us with a vision of sharing the Gospel with the world.
It was our Dr. Nathan Brown, age 66 when he came to Japan, who first translated the scriptures into the Japanese language. 100 years ago Captain and Mrs. Bickel literally sailed the “Gospel” ship around the islands of the Inland Sea, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Things have changed greatly over the years as our partnerships and relationships have grown. Some things change, but the Good News of Jesus Christ remains the hope for our world. In a nation like Japan where there are millions who have not yet heard this Good News, there is still room for partnerships.
Recently Rev. Takahashi said to me, “I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel that I have had the privilege to work with missionaries in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Now I tell you how “fortunate I feel to have had the privilege to work, on your behalf, in partnership with Rev. Takahashi and others here in Japan.
I cannot tell you how important your support is for us, and how much we appreciate your gifts of support and your prayers. In fact your support is so important, I am leaving soon to spend three weeks in Kansas. I will share the stories of what the Lord is doing here in Japan, and I will seek to build our Mission Partnership Network, as I promote the WORLD MISSION OFFERING.
Thank you, everyone!
Grace and Peace,
John
This is the time of the year when the WORLD MISSION OFFERING is taken to support International Ministries. Since 1814, American Baptists and International Ministries have been sending and supporting missionaries and ministry around the world. Since 1873, there has been a Baptist witness here in Japan, thanks to you and to those who went before us with a vision of sharing the Gospel with the world.
It was our Dr. Nathan Brown, age 66 when he came to Japan, who first translated the scriptures into the Japanese language. 100 years ago Captain and Mrs. Bickel literally sailed the “Gospel” ship around the islands of the Inland Sea, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Things have changed greatly over the years as our partnerships and relationships have grown. Some things change, but the Good News of Jesus Christ remains the hope for our world. In a nation like Japan where there are millions who have not yet heard this Good News, there is still room for partnerships.
Recently Rev. Takahashi said to me, “I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel that I have had the privilege to work with missionaries in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Now I tell you how “fortunate I feel to have had the privilege to work, on your behalf, in partnership with Rev. Takahashi and others here in Japan.
I cannot tell you how important your support is for us, and how much we appreciate your gifts of support and your prayers. In fact your support is so important, I am leaving soon to spend three weeks in Kansas. I will share the stories of what the Lord is doing here in Japan, and I will seek to build our Mission Partnership Network, as I promote the WORLD MISSION OFFERING.
Prayer Request
Please pray for our support, and the World Mission Offering. Pray for the relationships and partnerships we build here in Japan and in the U.S. Pray for safe travels and health during this trip. Pray for Tomoko, Alisen, and Andy as I am away from them. Of course, thank you for praying for Amie who is off to college as she feels so far from us.Thank you, everyone!
Grace and Peace,
John