Shan in Japan

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings from Japan where we are having a lovely spring. I have been enjoying watching the trees bud and sprout leaves outside my window and hear the kids playing in the courtyard all afternoon-I am really impressed with the child who is up at 6:30 practicing soccer, sometimes with his dad!

On Saturday, May 3, I went with Mrs. Shindo, the not-yet-Christian lady from our English Bible study, and her husband on a one day walk. It was an 8 hour, 36K (22 miles) walk/hike from one city to another through the mountains. We had a good time walking, talking, and laughing. As we were climbing up one particularly steep incline I was reminded of my hikes up Mt. Fuji. At one point Mrs. Shindo stopped and looked up to see how far we had left to climb and then said "Oh, I shouldn't have looked up! It is much farther than I thought!" From that point on we kept our eyes just one or two steps in front of us, one of the things God taught me as I climbed Mt. Fuji.

Thank you for your prayers for new teachers at KCS. There have been two applications thus far, one for the English position and one for the math/science position. Please continue to pray with us as we work with these two applicants and any others who may still apply. Our progress toward moving the school to a new location is moving along. We have put down a down payment on the land and buildings and will need to pay the balance by June 5. Pray that the funding will come through!

Friends, New and Long-time

In April I had the chance to get together with several friends outside of normal contexts. One of my English classes took me to an exhibit of English dollhouses in Osaka city. We, of course, had lunch on the way and tea afterwards!

The next day I went to Kyoto and met with two of my friends I had met while living there. It was fun to catch up and see how each of them are doing. One lady is a Christian and I can see her faith growing. The other is not yet a Christian but is willing to listen to our talk about Jesus and thinks she may pursue learning about Him sometime in the future.

Our big event of April was deciding on the day to have our annual concert! It took several weeks of emailing dates around until a date was decided upon, October 13. Then we had to decide what songs to sing, about 10 songs! But, amazingly, they are decided and now we can practice them and learn the ones we've not sung before. Mr. Yamamoto has already decided in which song he wants me to play clarinet!

In April we made oatmeal cookies. Most of the students weren't quite sure what oatmeal was before we started. I think they may be ready to hunt it down now. One of the recipes we used was my mom's iced oatmeal cookies, which I found out is actually Joyce's recipe! They were a big hit! I'll have an special baking class in May for two Gospel choir ladies, their friend, and all of their daughters. It should be a fun morning! Then at our regular baking class we will try our hand at pizza.

As I close I want to thank you all, once again, for your prayers and support. It means more to me than words can express knowing each of you are praying for ministry in Japan and for me. Thank you!

*Praise God for the new life springing up all around!

*Praise God for the opportunity to meet with friends and students outside of the usual contexts. Pray for these ladies to see Jesus in me and want to find out more about Him. Pray for Tae to feel the urgency of getting to know Jesus soon, rather than in the future.

*Praise God for His leading at the Kansai Christian School for the past 37 years! Pray with us for these two applicants for the teaching positions. Continue to pray for the parents, students, faculty, and staff they prepare for the move to a new location.

*Praise God for the opportunity to spend time with Mr. and Mrs. Shindo. Continue to pray for Mrs. Shindo's heart to soften as we study the Bible together.

*Praise the Lord for the Gospel choir and baking classes. They are such a joy to be a part of! Pray that my witness of God's love will be bold and unshakeable. Pray for hearts to be softened and for more one-on-one opportunities.

PS Each year missionaries write an annual report about ministry and life during the year. If you would like to read more about what you have been a part of through your support of me let me know and I'll send you a copy.