Lily Suzuki's Prayer and Newsletter

Vol 2. No. 6 - November 2001

Dear Prayer Partners and Supporters of the Mission work in Machida, Japan,

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! God has blessed His Ministry here in Tokyo, Japan and has provided blessings in such an unimaginable abundance this year, that all I can do is to thank Him, praise Him, and glorify Him for all He has done. Sitting here trying to recollect my blessings, I thank Him for you all and I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart for your support and encouragement! I also thank God for the wonderful privilege He has given me to serve him here in Japan and for how He has lovingly cared for me in the process.

For a second time this year, I have been privileged to attend BSF here in Tokyo. We are currently studying, "The Life of Moses," and it is wonderful. Today I thought of you all as I learned how in Ex. 17:12, Moses was supported by Aaron and Hur. As they stood on top of the hill in faith, lifting Moses' arms with the staff of God, Joshua fought the Amalek army. It touched my heart, because it reminded me of all your powerful prayers supporting the missionaries around the world. It is these powerful and effective prayers that God honors, which just goes to show that God gives different people different paths to serve Him.
As the weather gets cold and the air gets crisp, I find myself living through the most beautiful time of the year in Japan. The autumn colors of vivid red, golden yellow, and green make things so beautiful here, especially in the mountains. I still make it a routine to get my exercise by walking to the park and doing my devotions 6 days a week. Now, the chirping of insects are almost gone, but the birds are still around, busy storing up for winter. Recently, we had a national holiday called "Taiku no Hi" (Sports Day), a time when many people celebrate by going on outings such as hiking. Our church took a hiking trip to "Takaozan" (Mt. Takao), where we rode a cable car part of the way up the mountain and then planned to hike the rest of the up. After hiking part of the way up, we had singing and a very short Bible reading, and while we were singing praise songs and hymns, a man with a violin came and asked to join us. Gladly inviting him, we found out that he was not a Christian, but he was gifted to play most tunes just by hearing the melody. It really was a blessing to have him play and it drew a little crowd. Jesus was in the midst of us. While everyone was eating, I witnessed to him and after a very short time, he accepted Jesus in his heart as his Lord and Savior. And while we prayed together, he told me that he had heard about Jesus before from other Christian groups on this mountain. It was as though we were in a time capsule just by ourselves. Being here in Tokyo, I am giving out salvation messages everyday, and while many hearts are so close, God has this man up here in the mountain, waiting to receive Him as Lord and Savior. One never knows when God has that divine appointment for a soul. We just need to boldly open our mouths and proclaim His Word. The only sad thing is that I was so excited that I have since forgotten his name … but God knows. After witnessing, it started to rain, which shortly turned into a downpour, so we had to return home without being able to finish our hike. However, on the way down, God gave me a verse. Ephesians 3:20, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, and forever and ever! Amen." What an awesome day!

Recently, we had a Special Service given by Pastor Kanazawa, a former "Yakuza" (Japanese gangster). His message was powerful, as God has turned his life around 180 degrees and has given him a second chance to love and serve Him. That day, we had over 300 people attend church, many of whom were invited guests. Four students from my English class came, three of whom came for their very first time and still continue to attend every Sunday. Please pray for their salvation. It is very exciting. In addition, shortly after my arrival here in Japan, I was asked to pray for this lady's fiancée so that he would receive the LORD before their wedding. God answered our prayers, the day of the Special Service, as her fiancée received the LORD at the service, just 6 days before their wedding. Please pray that more English Class students will open their hearts and attend church.

Currently, God is training me to translate our Youth Pastor's sermons once a month, from Japanese into English. God continues to be so faithful by blessing me with His wisdom. This is something I have never dreamed of. He certainly gets all the glory and praise. Ex. 4:12, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." He certainly keeps His promise.

As I close for now, may God bless each and everyone of you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving Holiday. As you gather with your families and friends, I will be praying for your traveling mercies and protection. Thanking you all again for your prayers, faithful support for me, encouragements, e-mail messages, letters, faxes, phone calls, and provisions of wonderful teaching materials. I love you all and think of you often. Let's continue to serve Him together.

His Ambassador in Japan,

Lily Suzuki

Prayer Requests:

1. Please continue to pray for my vibrant relationship with the LORD each day.
2. God's great revival for Japan, the World, and for peace.
   
3. Time management and God's wisdom for the Sunday message and translations.
   
4. A big turkey to feed 45 people for our Thanksgiving Feast.
   
5. God's wisdom to reach Megumi and for her friendship.
   
6. God's choice for Kenichiro's university in the spring and continuance of good attendance for his high school.
   
7. Health and God's guidance for Tomo and his mother.
   
8. God's blessings for JEMS' Staff.
   
9. God's blessings and protection for BSF all around the world.
   
10. God's protection and health for my family in Canada, US, and for myself.
    
11. Plus all the prayer requests in the Newsletter. THANK YOU!
    

Thank you for your faithful prayers.

Support:

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