Prayer Requests:
- Roberta goes to a different church each Sunday to introduce the volunteer program. However, over half of the churches have asked her to preach as well. This is a huge struggle for Roberta, as her gifts are in a different area. But, here, it’s impossible to refuse. God does bless, however. The preparation time is approximately one hour of preparation per minute of speaking. She would love to have great joy during the long arduous task of preparation for speaking for 30 minutes in Japanese.
- Roberta has begun a Japanese Bible class at the Suginami church on the same Sunday as the English Bible class (2nd Sunday). The first class was held at 9 am on January 13th. She will be beginning a study of II Timothy and Titus in February. Please pray for the preparation for that class.
- Roberta continues to be asked for counsel from individuals in her previous ministry in N.E. Japan. She spends hours on the phone with a few individuals. Roberta thanks God that at the present time, she has the time to spend talking with them. Pray for wisdom as she tries to help them have a more vital relationship with Christ.
Answered Prayer Requests:
- Church interest in having volunteers.
God’s Answer: Through March, the only Sunday Roberta has open is Easter! Yes, all Sundays are filled. Most churches range in distance from home between 1 and 2 hours travel by train. More than half of the churches have asked her to bring the message. And, a few have said “make your announcement of your new job short.” Of course, the purpose of Roberta making the rounds is the announcement not the message.
- English Bible class.
God’s Answer: Roberta has had three sessions, on the 2nd Sunday of the month. The numbers vary each week but each week two or more people from the community attend. Those who come say they are thrilled with the class..
- Shichigahama Preaching Place has hired a retired pastor, Rev. Oyama, part-time. Please pray that he will be an asset and will be able to rally the support of the members in becoming a true Body Of Christ.
God’s Answer: Rev. Oyama is doing a wonderful job at Shichigahama preaching place. He has a hobby, astronomy, which is proving to be popular in the neighborhood. Several of the elderly at church are now house-bound, but the younger generation is beginning to see the necessity to fill leadership positions.
- Roberta’s housing.
God’s Answer: The housing situation has changed since Roberta left the USA. She will continue to live in the present house until 9/08. After that a small apartment complex will be built on the property providing income to cover taxes and the unit that Roberta and the volunteer center will occupy.