February, March 2018

As the Japanese fiscal year and school year winds to a close in mid-March, we found ourselves praying for wisdom and evaluating various responsibilities and ministries.  This is the time of the year for shutting down things that aren't working or for starting new things.  This year we mainly made adjustments to the schedule to fit with students' changing schedules and adding some more new students.  We chose not to start any new programs as we both feel that we are doing all that we can at the moment.

The Monday morning group continues but we were disappointed to lose 80 year old Mr. S for an indefinite time.  He is such a lively, friendly fellow and added a unique spark to the class and sometimes stayed for Bible.  His brother-in-law is ill with cancer and it is falling on Mr. S to take him to the doctor every Monday.  So please pray that the seeds of the Gospel planted in his heart will take root and be growing.

About this same time, Mrs. O shared in Bible time that her adult daughter would be entering the hospital during March to have an operation on a tumor that was found on her head behind her ear.  Kathy didn't feel she was well enough acquainted to press for more details or to make a visit, but prayed in class for the situation.  Mrs. O was asking how we can be thankful during times of such shock and pain.  It is so obvious that the Holy Spirit is working there.  The following week, Kathy was at the same hospital for an outpatient visit, walking down a hallway that she usually doesn't use, when she heard her name being called.  (Kathy teacher, Kathy teacher) This is a very large teaching hospital with hundreds of people going here and there.  So Kathy was very surprised.  She looked around and there was Mrs. O, grabbing onto Kathy's arm.  Mrs. O was preparing to leave the hospital after seeing her daughter admitted.  After grasping the situation, Kathy was able to go with Mrs. O up  to the 8th floor and meet the daughter, and pray with both of them right there in the hospital hallway.  Mrs. O kept exclaiming, "I was so troubled.  I kept wishing that I could see you (Kathy). Your faith is so strong and such an encouragement to me."  Kathy couldn't have planned such a timely encounter even if she had wanted to.  God completely orchestrated the meeting in the hallway that day.

Mrs O's daughter's surgery went well, and praise be to God, they were able to remove the entire tumor.  Her recovery has also gone well.   Mrs. O continues to study the Bible to learn more about God.