Lily Suzuki's Prayer and Newsletter

Vol 3. No. 1 - January 2002

Dear Prayer Partners, Supporters and Friends of the Mission Work in Machida, Tokyo, Japan,

Happy New years Everyone! I trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Day, and I pray that you all have a very blessed and peaceful year so that we can all join together and serve our Living God with joy in our hearts.

Thank you all, for your prayers, faithful love, support, e-mail, cards, and phone calls. I have been able to do extra ministry work because of your generous support. In addition, I thank you for the Christmas gifts. While I am so sorry for not being able to take the time to thank each and every one of you personally, I must let you know that God has been honoring your prayers, as my time management is getting much better allowing me more rest in addition to other things.

This past Holiday season was wonderful too. Since Sunday was the 23rd of December, we had our Christmas Service then, and due to a National Holiday on the 24th, we were able to have our Candle Light Service on Monday night. However, December 25th was a regular school day and work day for all of Japan, so please pray that there will be a big revival in Japan and all of the Christians will stand up together and be able to change Japan into a Christian Country so that we can celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December with the rest of the world. Never-the-less, God blessed our Christmas day Service and many non-believers who were invited by friends, family, and flyers, attended. With a full church, along with our mini orchestra and choir, the Service was beautiful and indeed a blessing. God saw our inner hearts as we celebrated and honored Jesus, making it not matter what day we celebrated, as God was there.

I flew home on the 25th and because of the International Date Line, I got home Christmas morning and was given the double blessing of being able to celebrate Christmas twice, once in Japan and then at home! While the security was tight, it was more than wonderful to be home with my family and to see my grandchildren. How they grew in such a short time! Do you remember praying for Daniel’s birth? Well, he had his 1st birthday on the 26th of this month. He is already pulling himself up to stand! (The Suzuki kids are late with teeth and walking). He got his first tooth while I was there and his second tooth broke through on his birthday. Kent, Matthew, and Jeremy are taking the responsibility of having a newspaper route together, while Robert continues to enjoy his studies and his piano. Meanwhile, Krista is still our only princess who loves to help her momma with chores. It was only a week visit, but it was great!

Back to Machida. Manna, who was in my English Class for a while, got baptized on the Sunday before Christmas, giving a beautiful testimony. Her older sister, Hiroko, along with Mayuko, both of whom have just returned from graduating from universities abroad, also became Christians while studying abroad. Hiroko and Mayuko are now coming with Momo and me to Bible Study Fellowship International, to learn more about the Bible and God. The four of us travel on the crowded morning train, giving us the opportunity to chat in English and to discuss our homework, which is such a blessing. God is so good!

Aina, a second year student in Jr. high, is very new in my English Class, and after teaching Matthew 6:25-34, “Jesus Teaches about Worry,” I was walking Aina and Hiroko to the train station as usual when Aina suddenly asked if she could receive Jesus into her heart. We quickly went onto a side road and prayed. We had such joy in our hearts that we ran the rest of the way to the station! I just praise God! Please pray so that Aina and Hiroko will begin coming to church together for they have become good friends.

Kenichiro surprised me the other day by asking me to help him with his application by writing one of his letters of recommendation for the purpose of attending Tokyo Christian Univeristy. He came up with three Bible verses, which encouraged him to decide to apply. There will be a lot of competition and many steep mountains to climb, but with our God anything is possible! Completing 5 pages of testimony along with 3 pages as to why he wants to attend and what he intends to accomplish at TCU, he was able to submit his application on time, which was the first time he has ever enjoyed the joy of finishing something important. Due to financial difficulties, we asked for a scholarship too. Do you remember praying for him so that he could attend high school daily? Well, his attendance was good and he will be graduating in March, after which time he will be studying Christian Education and Ministry. Together, Kenichiro and I have been praying for God’s miracle and best plan for Kenichiro. Jer. 29:11-13

I, too, have really been praying and seeking the LORD for guidance regarding next year and for my future ministry, as well as His direction, timing, and training for Amakusa. Pastor Sugimoto and his wife along with the congregation have asked me to stay so I decided to stay for another year. God has given me Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us out in time of need.” God has been faithful in guiding me with His mercy, giving me the privilege to be part of His service. I know that He will do the same next year. Pastor has promised that I wouldn’t have to do the sermons on Sundays, but will instead be able to do more family ministry, which I enjoy.

I forgot to tell you all that James Ogata, who is now a missionary in Hokkaido, came to visit MCC during Christmas and stayed in my apartment while I was in Canada. During my absence, his previous English students who are still attending my classes planned a luncheon for him giving us all a wonderful time. However, as Hokkaido is currently experiencing snowstorms and super cold weather, please pray for James.

I probably would have fallen apart without your prayers and thoughtful encouragements. I just want to thank you again and please continue to be my partner in this ministry for another year continuing after July. As I stop for now (as this is getting too long), I thank you all once again for everything! May God bless each one of you with good health, peace in Him and much joy as we serve Him together during 2002!

Love in Jesus,

His Ambassador in Japan,

Lily Suzuki

Prayer Requests:

1. Personal and vibrant relationship with the LORD each day and obedience to Him
2. Safety; spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional endurance and guidance from the LORD
3. Japan's revival and good attendance and protection for the coming Jesus + Japan Passion Tokyo Convention, Feb. 10-11, 002 so that many young people will dedicate themselves for vibrant work for God's ministry.
4. Spiritual growth, protection and good attendance for the BSF Classes all over the world.
5. Prayer for Tomo's progress and guidance from the LORD for his family.
6. Aina and Hiroko's growth in faith in Jesus and to attend church and activities
7. Healing and peace for another Hiroko and her mother who are both seriously ill in the hospital.
8. God's guidance and blessings for Kenichiro's future and university entrance.
9. God to send the 2 college students to MCC for 2 month of missionary work during the summer so that I will be able to have a rest.
10. God's wisdom for planning the Children's Spring overnight Camp on March 28 and 29th.
11. 11. Wisdom and time management for me and God's salvation for the English class students.
12. God's protection for my family in Canada and the United States.
13. God's wisdom, protection and blessings for JEMS staff.

Thank you for you faithful prayers.

Support:

For encouragement, letters and cards Machida Christian Center 4-18-3 Haramachida Machida, Tokyo 194-0013 JAPAN