19 OCTOBER 99 - PRAISE & PRAY from the HILLS of JAPAN

PART 1

Yes it is finally cooler in Japan. But that came just this past weekend.
I now know the meaning of "Long Hot Summer".

Thank you all for your prayers despite a month of "silence"! And thank
you to those who dropped us messages of encouragement noting that
we had not written. When exhaustion sets in sometimes doubts can fill
ones mind and one can feel lonely. It is so good to know that you all
are reading these and praying for us.

Just to catch you up on the past month a bit.

Let me say this first, that sometimes people mention our business.
When I hear some of your schedules I know that we are no busier than
you all. And sometimes I must admit the temptation is strong to
believe the "propaganda" of our spirituality via business. Then my next
thought is, "perhaps it would be a measure of humility not to refer to
all our "activities".

It is at that point God reminds me that this "Praise & Pray" document
is not mine, but His. The judgment of my spirituality does not rest in
the hands of humanity, but He will judge my heart. Prayer & thoughtful
relationships are the responsible work of humanity. So I write in my
chosen format so you can relate to us and be informed pray-ers. We
trust your prayers will be both for us as spiritual beings and for the
activities we participate in.

This we do know, that since we started this regular document that God
has increased His blessings in our hearts. Ministry has been energized
and we have come to know many of you better as it has stimulated
more specific communication. AND, many of you have been able to
help with our ministry specifically as you understood our needs better
and were able to respond to these needs by the Holy Spirit's prompting.
(to be continued...)