Change in the Wind
Friday, March 16, 2012
As the weather changes around the world this Spring, our ministry team will experience changes of their own. On March 22nd Nathan and Linda Snow, along with their seven children will return to America for stateside assignment. Their presence will be dearly missed and the remaining missionaries will do their best to fill the roles that will be left empty. 
As a result of the Snows leaving, the Crowes will relocate to the mission property in Yahata. Please be in prayer for the many transitions that are in the near future.
As a result of the Snows leaving, the Crowes will relocate to the mission property in Yahata. Please be in prayer for the many transitions that are in the near future.
Bishops' Return Delayed
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Free Will Baptist International Mission Department is in financial trouble. Though budgets around the world have been cut to bare minimum, the mission is still striving to return to financial stability. As an ongoing effort to combat high exchange rates and lack of giving, the Board decided that missionaries currently residing in America would be required to remain until the cash on hand reaches 10% of the approved budget.
As a result, our own Dale and Sandra Bishop will be delayed in returning to the field. We are saddened by this news, as they are, but we are all praying that the support of our denomination would rise to meet the challenge.
The following is an excerpt from a news release:
In an ongoing effort to end financial shortfalls and rebuild cash reserves, the board voted to postpone sending all new missionaries—as well as veteran missionaries currently on stateside assignment—to their fields of service until “cash reserves reach a sustainable level of 10% of the operational budget.” The board voted to implement this strategy as an ongoing standard policy. “At any point that cash reserves fall below 10% of the operating budget,” stated Board Chairman Danny Williams, “deployment of missionaries will be halted so that those already stateside can assist in raising the funds to keep all other missionaries at their stations.”
Please be in prayer for our mission.
Six Baptized at Miharashidai Chapel
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Christmas was a special day at Miharashidai Chapel. Six young people accepted baptism as an outward sign of their inward faith in Christ. Among the six baptized were Jake and Andrew Snow.
Japan has a very traditional culture. The decision to follow Christ typically comes after many year of evangelism. The decision to be baptized is one that costs the believer much more than Westerners are typically aware. There is great importance placed on the outward in Buddhism and Shintoism. When a Christian shows their belief by participating in an outward sign such as baptism, it often costs them many relationship…sometimes including family.
Please pray for these new believers’ faith and courage as they shine in a dark place.