April 10, 2013 MTW - Japan

April is always a beautiful time in Japan with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.The whole season is celebrated throughout Japan as the beginning of spring and the anticipation of warmer weather. The various shades of white and pink blossomed trees line rivers and streams as well as roadsides and parks across Japan. What we perceive as the natural beauty of the trees in these areas occurs because they were meticulously and very strategically selected and planted many years ago.

Without the careful attention and planning of dedicated workers many years ago we would not see the beautiful canopies of cherry blossoms in these areas that many visit for picnics and photographs today. There is much to celebrate as we see the church growing in Japan. Large gatherings for events and worship are exciting to see. Programs that are growing as people tell their friends give us cause to rejoice. Like the blossoming of cherry trees, these are indications of change and new life. There are still many areas in Nagoya that need to be strategically and carefully considered for new church plants ... seedlings that will grow and flourish in the beauty of Christ’s grace and transforming power. Let’s pray for seasons of change and fresh works of God’s redeeming love among the Japanese!

Please pray:

1)    For the seven Japanese who were baptized this Easter!! Please pray that they would continue to grow in their faith and grounding in God’s word.

2)    For the funds and resources to hire a young woman to work with the college girls in the growing college ministry of Nisshin Christ Church.

3)    For continued wisdom and guidance in considering new geographic locations for church planting.

4)    For good relationships and communication in partnering with existing churches in their outreaches and evangelism.

5)    For our remaining monthly support needs to be pledged by churches and individuals.

6)    For safety and strength as Peter continues to travel and report to churches and individuals about the work in Japan.

7)    For our son Evan as he applies to colleges. Please pray that God would “go before Him and prepare the way” and lead Evan in just the ways He would have him to go.

8)    Thanking God for our daughter Rita’s movie screenplay being accepted for a senior film project (only two are accepted per year from the program and Rita is just a sophomore)

Note: There is a phrase in Japanese called Hanafubuki (translated “cherry blossom blizzard”) which refers to the end of the cherry blossom season when the pedals are falling off the trees and blowing in the breeze like a snowstorm. Please pray for God’s word to spread throughout Japan like a Hanafubuki!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support,
Peter and Diane Bakelaar, Keagan, Rita, Evan and Wendy