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Jim & Amy, Philip, Emily, and Daniel
Thank you for visiting our website! Above is a photo from the summer of 2009. Also, we have now been at Wakaba Bible Baptist Church for about one year! Thank you to all of you who faithfully pray for us and/or support us. May God bless you for your faithfulness to Him! Please, read our latest newsletter below.
The Chopstick Charter May - June, 2010
July 22, 2010
Dear Pastors, Friends, and Family,
Things are literally heating up here in Saitama Prefecture. As we write to you, the “rainy season” (Japan’s annual reminder of Noah’s 40 days and nights of rain) has ended and it is now extremely hot and humid. As I fan the computer to keep it cool, I’m reflecting on so many of God’s blessings during the last few months.
• Youth Camp in Nagano Prefecture, May 3-5 -
Three participants from Wakaba attended the National BBFI Youth Conference in Nagano (where the winter Olympics were held). Pastor Yoshio Irie challenged the 200+ crowd of 20-30 year old singles to live their faith in the real world. It was a wonderful time of study, fellowship and encouragement.
2010 Japan Baptist Bible Fellowship Youth Camp
• Visit from Mike and Cristy Wyatt, June 16-29 -
The Wyatts have been on deputation for about a year and are planning to come to Japan as missionaries. They stayed with us during their two-week survey trip. Their burden for Japan and heart for missions touched the hearts of our members at Wakaba.
• Japan Baptist Bible College Graduation, June 18, 2010 -
Our very own Motoi Nakahata graduated with his 4-year bachelors degree and we are pleased that the Lord has led him to continue working at Wakaba BBC as an intern. Brother Nakahata is originally from the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, where his father is a pastor. We are looking forward to working with Brother Nakahata, and after their wedding in November, with his fiancée, Minori, also.
Mr. Motoi Nakahata's Graduation from Bible College
• Women’s Meetings -
Amy was asked to be the guest speaker for Chofu Baptist Temple’s Mothers’ Day Fellowship on May 13. After 40 years of attending the church on these special occasions, Mrs. Watanabe (in her 60s) through tears of joy, asked Christ to be her personal Savior. She said, “I’ve been attending for all these years, and I never knew salvation could be like this.” Also, Amy spoke in June at Ota Bible Baptist Church in Gunma Prefecture to a 50+ group of women about “Worship: the Heart of Missions.”
Thank you for your faithful support and burden for the gospel in Japan. We could not continue without you!
Your Co-Laborers in Christ,
Jim & Amy Smith
Note: We have been informed of an internet scam whereby requests to pastors/individuals for financial assistance are being made in the name of foreign missionaries via email. Please contact either your missionary or the BBFI directly if you receive such solicitations.
Prayer Requests and Personal Updates:
1. Jim - Thank you for your prayers for our VISAs. God answered our prayers beyond our expectations, and we were granted a 3-year extension! Please pray for my message preparation, as the frequency is increasing as Pastor Tokoro phases out of his responsibilities at Wakaba BBC.
2. Amy - Please be in prayer for the 6-lesson Sunday School teacher training series and especially for our 2 new teachers. Also, keep our VBS in prayer, scheduled for the last weekend in July.
3. Philip is enjoying his piano lessons and karate. Recently, Philip participated in a Karate Conference and was raised from white belt to 2nd degree yellow belt.
4. Emily has recently moved up one level in swim class and is enjoying being in the water.
5. Daniel is now on summer vacation and we are integrating him into the regular home school day. He will study K5 English during his 6-week vacation. Pray for Mom as she teaches Farmer Brown phonics!
Personal Contact Info:
Jim & Amy Smith
1-17-5 Chiyoda
Sakado-shi, Saitama-ken
350-0214 Japan
E-mail: gateway2japan@hotmail.com
Sending Church: Calvary Baptist Church, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Rev. Robert Mullis
