November 3 is Culture Day, a national holiday, in Japan.In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, the Naikai Region had their Annual Fall Seminar at Hiroshima Peace Christian Church.This is one of only two opportunities for the Naikai Region to get-together.This fall Dr. Ozawa, from the Megumi Zaitaku Clinic, was the main speaker.His lectures were titled "The Gospel in the Midst of Suffering" and "The Real Strength in Weakness/Helplessness."Dr. Ozawa, a hospice doctor who often speaks to youth, gave us insight in how we can be a help to those people who are facing death or other tragedies in their life, and how we can draw strength from our relationship to Christ.

This was a time of cultural enrichment, but also a time of fellowship between members of the different churches in the Naikai Region.This is important since the churches are spread out and are somewhat isolated.One of the persons attending the seminar from the Setoda Baptist Church has just recently relocated in Setoda town.Mr. Izawa, who is retired, is from Yokohama.His wife died several years ago.He has had a special place in his heart for the Naikai Region.I think that he may have come here in his youth on an evangelistic trip on the Gospel Ship.Also, he was a junior-high classmate of Rev. Kakuno, the pastor of Setoda Baptist Church.He has come to live in Setoda to help the church whose membership is aging and declining.

• Please pray for each of the churches in the Naikai Region for encouragement and strength.
• Pray for Mr. Izawa and Setoda Baptist Church that they may be used by God in the Setoda town.
• Pray for the pastors and church members of the Japan Baptist Convention, that they will be strong witnesses to God's love.

In Jesus' love,

Carolyn Predmore

American Baptist Missionary to Japan