Church Planting at TOKYO MULTICULTURAL CHURCH

On May 25 “stay at home” and other COVID-19 disaster restrictions were lifted throughout Japan. TMC is planning to resume physical gatherings in some format starting Sunday June 14, while maintaining virtual meeting options.

• WE THANK THE LORD…
• For TMC staff who have been able to cover for Dale during his illness over the past four months and that he is able to gradually resume more TMC leadership responsibilities.
• That worship services, small groups, and prayer meetings have continued relatively smoothly in virtual format during COVID-19.
• That the number of people attending English worship services on Sundays has remained steady and the Japanese worship services have seen an increase.
• That Ann has been able to encourage her outreach English class ladies and the mothers of her children’s program by sending them masks, crafts for the children, etc.
• For the launching of TMC’s monthly “Young Adult Fellowship” in the English Department on May 23.
• PRAY…
• That TMC will faithfully bring the truth, grace, hope, and encouragement of Jesus Christ to TMC believers and that others in our corner of Tokyo will turn to Jesus. Fear abounds in the “new normal” of our COVID-19 world. People are worried about getting the coronavirus. They are stressed from trying to care for their children at home while schools are closed. They struggle with trying to work from small homes and apartments. They are concerned about financial survival.
• That new believer Mr. MK will remain faithful to Christ in the midst of personal stressors and uncertainty about the viability of his business.
• That members, attenders, and partners will be able to cover TMC’s facility rental costs and our bi-vocational Japanese pastor’s stipend. TMC’s offerings have taken a hit during COVID-19 despite on-line giving options from Japan, Canada, and the US. We have had to access the EFCCM church planting fund for TMC more than anticipated.
• For wisdom for Ann as she considers whether to restart her ladies’ and children’s ministries before we take our summer and fall home assignment in the US.

HOME ASSIGNMENT

We were scheduled for two 2-month home assignments this year to visit our eastern US supporting churches, one in the spring and one in the fall. Dale’s illness and COVID-19 changed those plans. Lord willing, we hope to take a 4-5 month home assignment starting mid-July.

• WE THANK THE LORD…
• That despite Dale’s compromised immunity he has not caught the coronavirus or even any colds in the past few months. His immune system is returning to normal and his chronic pain level is significantly reduced.
• That the doctor has cleared Dale for flying starting July.
• For his provision for housing and vehicle in the US (Maine).
• PRAY…
• That we will find affordable flights to the US at the time we need them.
• For wisdom to know whether and how to visit our US supporting churches.
• That we will find ways of continuing to lead TMC in Tokyo even during our home assignment.

Thank you for Praying for the Tokyo Littles! – PTL #154