The Weekly Epistle 8/10/22

God is faithful!  Throughout our study in Joseph, a recurring theme is the faithfulness of God.  Will you pause to recount the ways you have seen His faithfulness in your life, even in the last 3 months?  
 
It was encouraging to hear from the Filberts this past Sunday.  Please continue to keep them in our prayers as we partner with them as they coach and train other missionaries.  
 
Speaking of coaching, I have had the privilege over the last 12 years to speak into Paul Mackey’s life.  Paul and Kiki (and boys) serve in Japan.  We partner with them as a church in their ministry in Tokyo.  Here is an update from them.
   We’ve seen God bless and provide for our family, most notably in providing a new apartment for us to live in, but also in His faithful work in the church and in our relationships here.  We will be moving about five minutes away by train (10 by bicycle) to a beautiful, convenient community called Shoin Jinja Mae that is close to another church family with boys around the same age as our boys (they’re good friends). Finding a place like this that is affordable and still close to the church was a lot of work, and shows God’s faithful provision for us in this season. 
 
  When we arrived in Tokyo in December of 2020, the church here was in rough shape. COVID and other difficulties had taken their toll on the church, and 2021 was filled with a lot of very difficult challenges for the church, including losing their pastor. We have loved this church for a long time (Paul first came to Dendoukan in 2010), and it was difficult to walk with the church through so many challenges since coming here, but we are so thankful to say that God has been doing great work here in Dendoukan. We keep seeing more and more people return to church, new people join the church, and members are getting more and more involved in caring for one another and serving in the church together. 
 
  In addition to getting to be a part of God’s faithful work in His Church here, we are so thankful that He has given us so many relationships with non-Christians here in Tokyo. Please praise God with us that, in a culture where it’s often difficult to meet new people, He has given us a wealth of relationships with non-Christians. 
 
  Thank you so much for being a part of God’s faithful provision for us to serve Him
here in Japan. Thank you for keeping the people of Japan in your prayers. We’re so
thankful for all of you.

In Christ, The Mackeys
 
This is only a portion of the letter recently sent by the Mackeys.  You can follow them on Facebook or contact the church office to subscribe to their newsletter.
 
Remember the “Together Initiative” Q & A time this Sunday (between services).  This is an exciting time as we move towards joining the Evangelical Free Church.  Also, the church picnic and baptism is a great opportunity to connect with each other and grow us as a family (please sign up at the ministry counter).  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian