Missions Corner-From Schmidt News, May 2018

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:2

Thank you for praying for the OMF Field Conference with 250 people attending.  It was a real blessing to have time with fellow missionaries. Thank the Lord that the children’s program went so smoothly! Dieter and I were busy with various jobs during conference.  Dieter arranged all the needed equipment, toys, etc. to be brought to the hotel and back.  Shelley and a friend were in charge of the coffee/tea times, and she led a small group.  The speaker challenged us with “a call to persist in prayer, an invitation from the Lord to renew ourselves in joyful conversation with Him and heartfelt intercession to Him; a call to live holy lives, to understand more of who God is and to be more like Him; and a call to boldness and courage in evangelism.”

The Sapporo Guest Home was “well used” before and after the conference, and again for an OMF training week in April.  God continues to give us the strength we need. Recently a Swiss short-term worker, who is staying at the Guest Home, helps us out on Mondays. Another short-term worker here from Italy, is helping with Japanese youth work.  They get along well and we enjoy an occasional meal and games with them, which Hannah joins in too. Pray for these Serve Asia Workers who come for 3-6 month periods to help in various ministries.  They are a great encouragement to the missionaries they work with and also bring Christ’s love to the Japanese.

OMF will facilitate a course on Multiplying Effective Evangelists and Disciplers, from May 21- 25 here in Sapporo. The Guest Home will be full again during that time. May 26 Shelley will be attending an OMF spiritual retreat, while Dieter will be preparing the sermon for the English Service on May 27th.

The Sapporo International Church staff retreat went well and we enjoyed a relaxing time together in Pastor Ikeda’s hometown even helping make pounded rice and enjoying the resulting ‘mochi’!

With our English Speakers Fellowship group we give thanks to the Lord for a good International Welcome Dinner for the new International Students on April 29. Pray for wisdom and encouragement, as we seek to give direction to this diverse group within the changing structure of our church.  Continue to pray for Shelley’s parenting class on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

In Family News, we are so thankful to report that Kevin was able to sell his restaurant! Though it was hard to let it go, he is glad to have more time for the family now. Kevin has started training for a new job serving in a hotel restaurant. Please pray that God will continue to guide him and Rebekah.  In March, Hannah had a skiing accident and tore the ACL of her right knee.  She is limping around until she has time for surgery the end of July.  Please pray for strength and patience for her.

The countdown is happening: Andrea and Travis, Rebekah and Revina have bought their tickets forJapa and will arrive on July 4th!  We really look forward to having family tie and getting to know our granddaughter and new son-in-law better. Revina is in a fun age of walking, learning to talk, and being entertaining. Praise the Lord for Skype!

Thank you for upholding us in prayer. To God be the glory,      Dieter & Shelley