There are so many victories to share from these Fall months.
We are extremely overjoyed to share the water baptism service we had.
Two of our regular Japanese followers of Jesus decided to be baptized, choosing to make a Statement of Faith in front of many. The waters of the Sea of Japan overlooking the Hakata Bay were just right for the double baptism by submersion. 
Yoshiki, a young boy, and Hiromi took the step of faith and were baptized on Sunday afternoon after the regular Sunday service in September 2019. We could not be happier, as we reflect that it takes an average of three years for a person to receive Christ in Japan. The changes that we have seen especially in Hiromi are more than spectacular. God has been transforming her life as she has been getting into what it means to be a Christian.
Hiromi expressed; “ I wished I would have known about Christ and followed Him years ago…” She posted her testimony on Facebook so that every one of her friends could see that she really has had an encounter with Jesus Christ!
We are so thankful for your prayers and partnership as you have all had a part in the Christian baby steps that our friends have taken to become true followers of Jesus.
Friends and family gathered around to be part of what God is doing here in Momochi.
Momochi Symphony Church continues to grow, but more importantly, it is maturing in many areas.
We traveled to Karuizawa for our yearly missionary renewal/business meeting. Colette and I led worship. We were elected for one more year as Church Planting Committee Chair. This committee works strategizing on the church planting business of our fellowship in Japan.
Following the meetings, we have been helping a church in Iwakuni, mentoring and coaching the new pastors of this growing church. From this leadership position, we hope to bring to reality the church planting effort for Momochi Symphony Church where we continue to pastor.
Shortly after our meetings in Karuizawa, our leaders, Jeff Hartensveld, Ty Silva, and Nathan Williams came down to Fukuoka to see future property for Momochi Symphony Church. Most of you know that we have been able to raise funds for a downpayment for this church building. However, speaking with our Field Director, we were challenged to believe for something larger than previously planned. The word that came from our leaders was: “Believe for something that can house 100-150 people.” Whereas we also have faith, we were floored to think we could afford such a building here.
We were challenged by our leader to trust the Lord for a larger vision for this church, and for this building that could house various ministries and efforts in the Southern area of Kyushu. We began to dream in terms of having a coffee house ministry that could also share the message of Jesus, ESL classes to reach out in the most accepted way in Japan; also Music and the arts. God has brought us a group of professional musicians who could definitely add to the vision of this new building.
We have located a building that could work for this vision. Though we are still in negotiation, we wanted to share this major project with all of you. We have also procured and secured a new project number with AGWM. This will help us gather the funds for this new project. While we are raising more funds and appealing for one time offerings for this project, our Asia Pacific Field Director is also raising funds so that we can bring this project to completion. Our local church people are also giving sacrificially for this project.
Would your church, your missions committee, your children’s group, your youth, or perhaps your women’s group take the challenge to place our Momochi Symphony Church Building as part of your missions project this year 2019 or 2020?
If you like to contribute a one-time offering to this project, please use this project number.
Momochi Symphony Church Building Project Number: #5878
You can send a check to AGWM and write the project number on the memo.
You can also go online and give to this project.
https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/4ffeb04d-1842-4f79-8e20-ca3450dd60b7?CookieCheck=1
1- Select the amount.
2- Select Class 60
3- In Comments write #5878:
4- You may select the “share your email address” with us.
5- Select One time gift or Set Up New Recurring Schedule.
This will be the fastest way.
In November, there were so many great things happening. We thanked all of our volunteers at our church plant and we had a great potluck. The church people also thanked the Pastoral team that works as volunteers in this church plant.
The Gospel choir also had a part in our city festival, it was wonderful to see the choir lifting up the name of Jesus. Something great that happened as the announcer was filling time while the choir was getting ready. She told the story how she went to New York City to see a real gospel choir in church, and how wonderful it is to hear this music, and for Christians to represent the worship and praise to Jesus Christ. I did not have to say a thing, the announcer took care of the message that afternoon! The choir sang its best with a Latin rhythm song and a Southern Gospel song.
Music and the Arts can have a way to reach the heart of the people who need hope, the Hope of Jesus.
We traveled to be with all of our churches in Kyushu for the 60th year of the Aso Seikai.
This is a Holy Convocation, a time to pray for the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and fellowship. We took 13 people all together. After the long trip, we finished by eating sushi in a local restaurant that we have frequented for the last 20 years.
God has been good, please keep us in your prayers. Colette and I, Juan Carlos, wish you the greatest Thanksgiving Day Celebration and Merry Christmas and a Happy 2020.
We could not do what we do without YOU and your financial contributions and prayers . Thank you for helping us do our work here in Japan.
