Missions Corner-Oct 2017

The Schmidts’ News

September/October newsletter

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”  Isaiah  26:4

On September 10, the church rejoiced when Miss Aya and Miss Yumiko stepped out on the Rock, confessed Jesus and got baptized! Aya has been part of our group of internationals for seven years, and her school friend, Yumiko had also started coming to church.  They both have lived overseas and speak English. As they took this important public step it does come with consequences. For one, tensions can rise in their non-Christian families. Pray for these two as they learn to be bold for Jesus in a non-believing world. 

In ESF we now have seven kids from 1-9 years old in one little room while the English Speakers’ Fellowship meets for singing and Bible study in the room next door.  Lately, Shelley has been staying in the kids’ room with the noisy bunch, and is now starting a miniSunday School time with them, besides engaging them in play.   This gives the parents the chance to join in a needed time of studying.  Please pray for wisdom how to develop this and how to train others to help too. Shelley also wants to start a parenting course in October. Pray for energy, organization and scheduling of this class and that it will be helpful.

Sapporo International Church News: Retreat in July was an amazing time of bringing the different language groups together!  The new pastor Ikeda taught on church unity and we see some strengthened bonds. Pray on, especially for more Japanese believers. The baptisms have been a great encouragement to all!

One of our co-workers, Michelle, (Korean lady from L.A.) has been diagnosed with a type of colon cancer.  She had just started up Japanese Sunday School again, and now that must be put on hold.  Pray for healing and pray for others to step into the gap as we trust the Lord for the way forward.

Sapporo Guest Home etc.: The Guest Home continues to be fully occupied. Please pray for the Eusey family, who have come back from Home Assignment and are looking for a house in their target area.  It is not easy for foreigners nor with the label Christian to rent housing.  Pray for God to lead them to the place He has prepared for them.

Family News: We are happy to announce Andrea’s engagement to Travis Gassmann. We had a chance to meet this godly man on Home Assignment. The wedding is set for November 19, right before Thanksgiving. We, with Hannah, will be travelling to Atlanta for the celebration.  Rebekah and Kevin will also be coming and Dieter can finally meet his granddaughter!  Shelley will hopefully get to see all her siblings as well.

Pray also for: Fall Outreach Concert with a Saxophone team from the USA, Oct.20  • Preparation for the   International Welcome Dinner Oct.29 following the English Service  • For God to call 200 new OMF members to the Japan field by the year 2020.

Thank you so much for standing with us on the Rock,

Dieter and Shelley