Winter Holiday in Japan
Happy New Year, now that January is just about over! I realized a few days ago that 2025 was the shortest year of my life, because I began it in the US and ended it in Japan, 14 hours before midnight in US Eastern Time.
I don’t know what deep meaning that has, but I think it’s kind of fun.
My church had a special service the Sunday before Christmas, with special music, a guest preacher (who happened to be one of my coworkers), and a lunch afterward with sushi, pizza, and special Christmas cake.
Caroling with some “coworkers” before Christmas
Instead of a Christmas Eve service, many Japanese churches have a New Year’s service, so Christians can gather for worship while most Japanese people make their first shrine visit of the year. My church doesn’t have a New Year’s service, but next year I’d like to plan ahead and visit another church’s service!
Outreach Opportunities
Now that January is almost over, I feel pretty settled in my new routine. Christ Bible Institute’s renovation is officially complete, and officewide routines are emerging, which makes it easier to get things done. My second Japanese course has been going pretty smoothly so far. The homework takes a lot longer this trimester, but I appreciate the extra practice!
Feeling more settled means it’s a great time to branch out and add something new. So I’d like to ask particularly for your prayers for some upcoming outreach opportunities:
Last fall, I joined a hiking club with my friend Mayuko, and through that, we were able to have some good conversations with friends of hers. Please pray that the hiking club will continue to be an opportunity for deepening relationships.
One of my teammates used to host a “Taco Tuesday” outreach event—a weekly party where Christians could mingle with non-Christians. We’re gearing up to restart this in March, dividing the hosting among four families. (I’ll be hosting the first week of the month.) Please pray that the friends we invite will be excited to come!
Testing a pulled pork recipe in preparation for Taco Tuesday
Additional Prayer Requests
Besides the outreach opportunities listed above, I’d appreciate prayer for a few personal things:
Please pray that I will have a sense of God’s presence with me always, particularly on the days I feel lonely during this season of living alone!
Please pray with me that God will provide the right housemate for me this summer.
I’m dealing with some logistical challenges just now—chipped glasses, trouble with my bicycle, and some paperwork headaches. Please pray that all these things will work out smoothly.
Praise God that I was able to take a prayer retreat day at the beginning of the month. It’s something my team leader encourages us all to do regularly, and it has really helped me to focus on the important things this month.
To Support This Ministry
I would be delighted to talk with you about how God has called me to ministry in Japan and how you can partner with me in this ministry. Please get in touch! You can reach me at SchwabCA1@gmail.com.
To give online to my mission fund for Japan, visit my page at Mission to the World.