We have had quite a bit going on here at Okinawa Christian School, as we are within just a few weeks of concluding our first quarter of the school year. We have, during this first quarter, gotten off to a great start in many different areas. Our staff is incredibly dedicated to the students that they serve, and the students continually are a blessing in return! The combination of these things makes it such a joy to be a part of this community!

Among the blessings of work, one great opportunity that we had was an event called Friendship Friday. This is an after school event in which the entire high school got on busses and went to a local park/beach called Zanpa. Everyone had a great time, but I mention this specifically because of an opportunity that occurred during this time to have a one-on-one interaction with a student. The student, who I will call Matt, and I sat on the bus together during the ride to Zanpa. Now, Matt, is a Christian, but this time together provided a great chance to work as more of a mentor than a high school teacher – though admittedly the nature of the job has these moments of crossover. But during this time, Matt, who is an underclassman, and I were able to discuss how God might be leading him into his future. This was a great time of encouragement for him, and for me as a teacher. Matt, who was already an attentive student, then returned to class on Monday with a zeal for learning that I had not formally seen. Please pray that the message of God’s Word continues to impact Matt.

Another student that I want to mention is a young man that I will call Shawn. This young man is quite incredible to be around. He is a Christian, but more than that I want to emphasize the zeal that he has for God. This young man is ever eager to learn, and to help in anyway he can. But what I really wish to mention about this student is his desire for discipleship. This student has been joining me in the mornings and afternoons for extended training in God’s Word. We have, over this past month, moved in total into hours of discipleship training. A training that his parents have encouraged him to be a part of. Within this, I have had the opportunity to encourage him through what I will call life-training exercises. These are times of Apologetic’s training, and of character development. These sessions have been ones of growth for both him, and myself. Please continue to pray for Shawn over the coming months and year.

There are many other events that have occurred over the past month as well. Events that have allowed for the Gospel to be powerfully proclaimed within not only my class but those of my fellow teachers as well. Not the least of which was the many students who, through the work of the Holy Spirit, have been brought into an understanding of what God’s Word says about the original Creation and the creation of Mankind. I can see through the journals of my students that there is conviction and change that is taking place in many hearts. Please continue to pray for not only my class, but also those of other teachers as well.

Personally, this month has had a lot of great opportunities among friends, and I have really settled into a local church. This group of people has been an incredible encouragement to me, and is incredibly needed as God works through me during the school week. They have been my support, and by God’s grace, my strength and encouragement. I will not shun away from the fact that there are indeed hard days, but even then, God is merciful and blesses beyond measure. I would ask for prayer for this community and the community at OCSI. Please pray for protection and open doors as the Gospel advances.

Finally, I would ask for prayer concerning one tiny, but beautiful blessing. We have a family here named the Gosen’s, whom had a baby on September 1st that they named Zephaniah (Zephy). Zephy had the umbilical cord wrap around her neck during birth, and as a result suffered brain damage. She is still alive, praise be to God! She has made advances in healing, including breathing on her own and opening her eyes, but it is still a long road. However, we have a God who raised his own Son from the grave, and I, along with my community, are trusting that through Christ and His healing work, that God is mighty to save. He will do this awesome thing in healing baby Zephy! Please pray with fervent hearts for Zephy and the Gosen’s.

And so, in the midst of these many things, I thank you all for your continuing support and prayers. God is good, and He is doing an extraordinary thing. It is He who is able to meet all of our needs!

May His grace ever be upon each of you!

Blessings in Christ,

Ryan

Ryan is serving at the Okinawa Christian International School.  If you are interested in serving in Okinawa or other areas around the world, please email us or call 1-800-222-3872, ext 2366.