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.

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.

Christmas brings many opportunities for outreach in our churches. Here is an excerpt from Rusty and Brenda Carney’s latest news update:

“Our church (Kita Hiroshima FWB Church) had many activities leading up to Christmas Sunday. We were blessed to be able to attend a Christmas outreach for the youth in which around 30 young people showed up! Also, there was candle light service on Christmas Eve - what a wonderful way to celebrate the birth of Christ! On Christmas Day we had a potluck at the church with a Christmas Party following. It was so nice to be able to fellowship with our Japanese brothers and sisters in Christ on this special day.

Many of you may be wondering, “Do the Japanese really know what Christmas is all about?” Sadly, many do not. They like the whole glimmer and glamour of Christmas with Christmas trees, lights, Santa Claus, etc. and for whatever reason it is very popular to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Christmas Cake! However, to the non-Christian Japanese, Christmas Day is just the day you take down the decorations - with no thought to Jesus or His birth.”

From the Baileys:

“We praise the Lord for His faithfulness! Our family of believers has continued to pray for several weeks for opportunities to share our faith during the holiday season. Thirty-nine attended our Christmas Day Outreach at Kamifukuoka Christ Church; the vast majority of these are non-believers. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work through the messages presented today and through our church members’ daily witness in our neighborhood. Your faithfulness to pray and support our ministries allows us to continue to witness to the lost in Japan. THANK YOU for your faithfulness!

Today the Hokkaido team says, “Goodbye” to Bob and Sue MacGill from San Francisco, CA. They are members of Sherwood Forest FWB. This trip marks the 5th time the retired couple has visited Japan with the intention of aiding the building projects in Hokkaido. Their company is treasured and their help is invaluable. The Hokkaido team expresses their deepest thanks.