Dear friends,

"I thank my God every time I remember you.In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…"Phil. 1:3-4

I want to apologize first for not getting this quick note out to you sooner.It has been a busy time for us, but a time filled with the blessings of our Lord and Savior.I want to share a couple of things quickly, and will try to send a picture or two later.First this Easter there will be 2 baptisms at the Nishi Okamoto Church.Our second daughter, Alisen, and Mrs. Maruo will be baptized.Many of you have prayed for Mrs. Maruo for some time. Thank you.It will be a special day.

Second we had the ordination council meeting and ordination service for our associate pastor, Rev. Akira Takahashi last Monday.It was a national holiday, so we squeezed about 120 people into our church.It was a very deeply moving, and rich experience for the church.

Finally, we want to say thank you for your love, prayers and support.As we had written over the past months, because of financial concerns there was a possibility that some ABC missionaries would be recalled.We received word a couple of weeks ago, that the offerings and gifts have just met the need to keep all our current missionaries on the field.Thank you again for your prayers and support.

To clarify this, we should say that 13 of our fellow missionaries decided to take a voluntary recall.These decisions came for a variety of reasons; health, family concerns, a desire for continuing education, etc….We pray that the Lord will continue to bless them and use them in their new areas of ministry.

We will write after Easter, and try to send a couple of pictures.But please know that the Lord continues to do great things in His church in Japan.And we count it a privilege to be a witness to the Lords work and to be your partners here.

Grace and Peace,

John and Tomoko Armagost

ABC-USA Missionaries in Japan