In December, we hear Christmas carols in the stores and on ads on TV in Japan. Amazing! But, many still do not know the true story of the Lord’s birth and saving work. Some of our Japanese friends say that Japanese think Christmas is Santa’s birthday! So, at our Bible study Christmas party we shared music, games, and food. Our team (we have three adult leaders) and two boys, decided to change our format for the party. This year, one of our student leaders shared the true story of Christmas, (instead of Lee Ann or Gordon using the kids to interpret).  The group included several non-Christians and they listened better to the message. 

Lesson #1: Use the team approach.

On Christmas, we traditionally have friends over for dinner. We try to invite those whose families are not nearby. This year, we included one of Naomi’s college friends, who is a non-believer. She helped us prepare dinner, sang along during our Christmas carols, and stayed overnight. She enjoyed her time so much; she asked to stay another night! Gordon felt the Lord leading to share the message of salvation with her using his new “Big Story” ipod app from Intervarsity. She is very open to the Gospel and we are still praying for her.

Lesson #2: Be flexible.

Our annual Christmas Tea for Soshin Teachers and staff included over 60 people! They began arriving around 2P and enjoyed homemade hummus with pita bread, homemade olive tapenade, and many other savory snacks. Miki, opened her barrista stand for hot cocoa with whipped cream, tea, and hot spiced apple cider. Gordon barbecued chicken skewers under the carport since it was raining and cold. Lee Ann entertained our guests and continued refilling plates. Although the day started gloomy, the Lord gave us energy and joy to serve our partners at Soshin. 

Lesson #3: Serving in love brings joy.

Nishiya Baptist Church held on “open church” on December 23 to invite their neighbors for refreshments and Christmas music. This date is a national holiday, the Emperor’s birthday. Gordon volunteered to play his accordion for the “True King,” Jesus Christ. The whole Hwang family helped and we gathered at the church. Gordon caught a bad cold but after much prayer, he recovered enough to go and play some Christmas carols. Pastor Takeuchi hand-delivered hundreds of flyers in the neighborhood. Sadly, no one came to the event, though some watched from a distance as we sang in front of the church in the cold sunshine. Although we did not have an opportunity to serve the neighbors, the smiles and joy on Pastor Takeuchi’s face was worth the effort. She was very thankful since she serves this church that has only a handful of active members who are mostly over 65. 

Lesson #4: Blessing comes from obedience.

So, what was the blessing? December donations toward our ministry were more than double of last year! We had our best December of giving due to some generous partners that shared with us. The Lord gave us opportunities in Yokohama to share His love and blessed us with health, joy, and donations! The Lord is very generous.

Last month, we gave a request for more support and many partners responded! Thank you to those who prayed and gave toward our ministry. We received more than we anticipated! We are still below our 100% goal for pledged financial support. Would you prayerfully consider making a monthly gift to help equip our ministry? We simply cannot do it without your help and partnership.

You can give online and set up a recurring payment through your credit card or bank account,

http://www.internationalministries.org/teams/103-hwang

or you may go through your bank with an electronic/paper check.  

May the Lord bless our 2015!

With Love and Thanks,

Gordon (and Lee Ann) Hwang