My work in Japan during my last term has been in the Seto Inland Sea area or the Naikai Region.  Of the four regions of the Japan Baptist Union, the Naikai Region is the smallest and weakest.  Most of the churches are on islands in the Seto Inland Sea.  The economy of this region is depressed with most of the young people moving to the larger cities.  I saw my work as that of support and encouragement to the churches and pastors of that region.   I traveled to the different churches and meeting places in the area.   I taught English conversation to the church supported kindergarten children and preached when asked.  I shared with other pastors the responsibility to have worship services with congregations who did not have a pastor.

When I left Japan, the mission car that I used was sold to the Hiroshima Peace Christian Church.  In many ways Rev. Tamura of that church has replaced my ministry of traveling and encouraging the churches and meeting places of the area.

I left Japan in April of 2007 and retired in February 2008.  But after living so many years and supporting the work in an area a person may physically retire from the work, but one cannot retire from concern for the people they have come to love.  I found a new way to support the work in Japan by becoming part of a Missionary Partnership Team.  I am part of John and Tomoko Armagost’s Missionary Partnership Team.  John and Tomoko are missionaries to Japan who work in the Kansai and sometimes in the Naikai region.

Please pray for God’s work in Japan.  Pray for the Christians who live in the Naikai region, that they may be true witnesses to God’s love.  Pray for the work of John and Tomoko Armagost.  And thank you for the years of support and prayer for my work.

Peace,

Carolyn Predmore