Dear Friends,

THE READING CLUB.  This club, began in April, 2006, has been the highlight of our children’s ministry.  We have held four club meetings thus far, and we see an increasing interest.  It began with twelve children, and we had 28 children at the last meting.  These are all non-churched children who have stepped into our building for the first time.  They love the club, and I even have received some phone calls from other children asking when the next club meeting will be.  The other day, I had a chance to speak with my son’s teacher at school, and she even asked me about the reading club, because she read in some children’s school journal about how much children are enjoying this club.  We had gotten some free advertisement.  PTL.  As our society changes, and the world becomes more “unsafe” for young children, this club offers a safe haven for kids in the neighborhood.  But most of all, it is a perfect opportunity for us to introduce Christ to these children.  You see, the choice of reading materials is ours.  Please pray with us that as seeds are being planted, these children will come to know Christ.

THANKSGIVING.  Thank you for praying for our dear brother in Christ, Mr. Yatabe, who was in an accident a few years ago.  He and his wife live in another town about an hour and a half away.  After the accident it became impossible for him to make that trip.  He has been in rehab for a long time, and God has healed him.  He has started to attend our worship services again recently with the help of a walking cane, via public transportation.  It is very difficult for him because of the many stairs at the depots, but he does it because he wants to worship with other Christians.  He has been a great example for our Sunday School children, for they have been praying for him for a long time.  They were happy to see him again at church.

PRAYER REQUESTS.   1)  One of the biggest concerns we face today is in regards to our future spiritual leaders; not only those who would serve as pastors, but also people who would rise up as workers in the church.  I feel a great need for an accountability partner in our work here.  2)  Regarding the property that is for sale adjacent to us, please pray that whoever buys it will not be a hindrance to our ministry.  Also pray that the new owners would not create a visibility problem for our church building.  3)  The New-Age Buddhist temple which I have mention in several recent newsletters is being built right by our church building.  Please pray that our ministry for the Lord will remain strong here in Shizuoka.  These groups have been known to overtly oppose ministries such as ours.

NAKAHARA FAMILY NEWS.   Our boys are growing strong and healthy each day.  Kazuma began junior high school this spring and Lynn in now in third grade.  I have begun to teach Kazuma about Christian baptism, and I pray that God’s Word would fill his heart as he desires to learn more about his Savior.  Tomoko is now in her second year as a full-time kindergarten teacher at the only Christian kindergarten in Shizuoka.  She enjoys her work, especially the fellowship with her Christian co-workers.  She is extremely busy with work, housekeeping, children, and helping me with the church work; but God has blessed her with good health, and we are grateful.  Yes, I help her, too.  As for me, I just finished a comprehensive physical exam in June on my neck at a major hospital nearby.  The doctor is encouraged that my condition is stable for now.  I asked him again about the possibility of surgery, but he said that this type of surgery is reserved for senior citizens.  There are too many risks involved, so they don’t recommend surgery for someone like me, whose condition hopefully can be stabilized through daily exercises.   

Thanks for remembering us in your prayers and with your love offerings.  I am very hopeful, Lord willing, that I can visit you in person next year during the summer.  I would love to visit some of our supporting churches and perhaps join many of you at the Kentucky/Indiana Fellowship in August, 2007.  Please pray that physically I will be able to make the trip.  Maranatha!  That would even be better!

Through Him Who Loves Us,

Michiya and Tomoko Nakahara