Coming Soon...MSGF in Osaka!

It's late.  I'm tired.  And almost ready to get back home.  But our short stay in Osaka has been outstanding so far.  We've been able to move about the city (19 million+!), and get to spend time with the Mustard Seed church planting team in the process.  They are busily preparing for the launch of the new work this coming weekend, fueled by a public rally they will host Wednesday night.  


It will be a special occasion because the speaker will be none other than...Matt Murton.  Who's that, you say?  Only the American baseball player who broke Ichiro's single season hits record here in Japan.  You may not know his name, but he's a big-time celebrity here, and especially in Osaka where his team plays.  Matt's an outspoken follower of Jesus  leveraging his popularity as a platform for sharing the hope that has changed his life.  And people will listen to him.  Wednesday night he'll share his testimony and encourage people to find out more at this new church.  God has orchestrated a great way to kick off the ministry in this place (and if you heard the whole story of Jay Greer connecting with Matt, you'd agree!).  Please keep Wednesday and Sunday, along with the team (Greers and Phillips) in your prayers.


Each day provides new sights and experiences better than what we've previously known.  I'm so impressed with the complexity and differences in cultures, and yet the commonality we share, especially regarding things that matter most.  More than anything, I know the Japanese people need the hope that a relationship with Jesus can provide- hope both in this life and beyond.  I also know that there just isn't enough being done to ensure that people hear that message in a meaningful and relevant way.  Jesus told us to ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers into the fields.  Would you please make that your prayer this week?  And be specific- ask that this might be one of those fields that will receive workers willing to labor for the harvest that needs to come.


Nothing less than eternity is at stake.

Matt's good-smile means coffee time!

It's popular as jewelry, but its meaning is literally unknown.

Preparing to devour our "Japanese Pancakes" (not really pancakes), an Osaka specialty.

And yes it was.

A bird takes inventory of Osaka at sunset.