Yesterday was a true blessing.  We went over to Shin-Uruyasu (sp?) and prayed in some of the residential areas, and we also went over to a Christian school in another part of town (sorry, can’t remember its name).

At Shin-Uruyasu there are about 5 very small churches (little more than small groups), that have been struggling for the last few years.  One used to be a fast growing church that reached over 50 in number, but is now down to less than 20 for a variety of reasons.

One of the most significant things about Shin-Uruyasu is that the land wasn’t even there 30 years ago.  Japan created a huge landfill and built an entire city on top of it!  This also means that there are currently no shrines or temples there!

While we were praying we met some of the members of one church that Pat knows.  They insisted that we stop in for a little bit, so we stopped and chatted, and prayed with and for them.  Over sall, meeting them was worth the trip out to Shin-Uruyasu.

Before we went to the school, we met up with another missionary couple to get a better idea on what is going on with their ministry and the work being done in their area.  The school is primarily geared for missionary kids, but they also allow others to attend.  So there are a lot of kids of buisinessmen there as well.

While today is actually a “free day” to allow us time to rest and get anything and everything we need done before heading back to the US, I know there have been some spontaneous prayers being sent up throughout the day in “mini-prayer walks” and several members went to an IHOP (International House of Prayer… not pancakes in this case) meeting.

So, in closing for the last field update from yours truly…

Please pray for the churches in Shin-Uruyasu, that they might grow. This area is still “fertile soul” as it were.  It’s a very young area, a lot, and we can still win this area for Christ.  Satan doesn’t have as great a stronghold there.

Please also pray for the Christian school.  They will partner together on occassion with neighboring schools.  So pray that the school would be used mightily as a witness to those attending the school that may not be Christians; that the school would be used to bring up strong and firm followers from the missionary kids; and that the school would be a profound witness to the area.

Finally, please also pray for us as we travel back to the US tomorrow morning.  Pray that we would have a safe trip home that goes smoothly; that we would hold fast to all that we have learned and experienced here; and that we would be able to use what we have learned and experienced to profoundly impact the world for Christ in the times to come.

We had a wonderful time here that seemed to just fly by. Thank you for making this all possible.  Without your prayers and support we know this trip would have been a a shadow of what it has been at best.  May God bless you and keep you always and forever. Sayonora, and we’ll catch ya on the flip side… of the world!