Amy, Daniel, Philip, Emily, & Jim

Thank you for visiting!  As many of you know we are now in Japan.  We arrived on December 5, 2006.  We are excited to be here following God's will!  Please, enjoy the updated photos and our current newsletter below!

The Chopstick Charter

Dear Pastors and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Each day we are here in Japan, we become more keenly aware of our privilege of being your ambassadors for Christ here in Japan.  We have heard from many of you—words of encouragement and reports of the prayers that you offer on our behalf.  We thank you for empowering us to be our best for the work at hand. 

Jim’s studies take up most of his time and he has just completed his first semester at KCP Language Institute.  He has made many friends including several Koreans and Americans who came to lunch a few weeks ago and ended up staying most of the day!  Even one of the Japanese teachers, Ms. Fukumoto, came and enjoyed the afternoon with us. 

Amy has been given several ministry opportunities recently.  She is currently working with the choir on some special music for Easter.  Also, since one of the Primary Level Sunday School teachers will be having her baby any day now, Amy will be helping with leading Sunday School as well as providing piano accompaniment for Sunday School and Congregational singing.

The kids are doing well.  We were disappointed when the preschool we had selected for Emily told us that they would not enroll her because she didn’t know enough Japanese yet.  But, it seems that God is opening other doors for the kids to learn Japanese, including a private tutor, daily classes with Mom, as well as a Japanese class for foreign children starting in mid-April.

Prayer Requests:

· Jim—Moving on to the second (and reportedly hardest) semester in language school.
· Emily and Philip—They have recently joined the Makuhari Kendo Club  (similar to fencing, but with a bamboo stick). It is a traditional Japanese discipline taught in a fairly relaxed environment.  Pray that they can have a good testimony and make friends.

· The Murakami brothers’ and cousin’s (Kouki, Yuuya, and Makoto) SS attendance.

· Mr. Takano.  He came for the first time the day Jim preached his first sermon and has come faithfully ever since. He said he came because he is seeking meaning in his life.  Please pray for his salvation.

· Mr. Ejima—Please continue to pray that he returns to church.

· Possible Jr. High/High School SS Class

Personal Contact Info:

Jim & Amy Smith

6-104-13 Makuhari

Hanamigawa, Chiba 262-0032 Japan


E-mail:  gateway2japan@hotmail.com

Sending Church:  Calvary Baptist Church, Fruitland Park, FL 34731

Rev. Robert Mullis


Mail Support  To:

Jim & Amy Smith, Missionaries to Japan

PO Box 191

Springfield, MO  65801-0191