Dear Praying Friends...

Hello from Kawasaki! It seems I often report on wet weather here. Today was no exception as a typhoon (hurricane in the Pacific) barreled through Tokyo with powerful wind and lots and lots of rain. Justen was thankful for the day off school. We were thankful for strong Japanese construction of our home. And we are always thankful for your support and prayer. Would you remember us for the prayer items below?

1. NEW PONDS FOR THE FISH

It's of little value to pull fish ashore if you're just going to let them die on the ground. Evangelism needs discipleship. With a number of new baby Christians in our church plant, we felt it was time to launch some new small groups to help sustain their spiritual needs, and grow them up in their faith. This fall we've started two new groups: CLAY and BRANCH. Our goal is to train new Christians to lead these groups and learn to care for each other. PLEASE pray our the discipleship and leadership formation of our baby believers.

2. NEW BELIEVER NEWS  "I've finally found a place I feel like I belong"

We are praising the Lord for another salvation decision. E-san has struggled with doubt since walking in the door of our church 9 months ago, but she's finally come to know the heart of Christianity is a Person and not a proposition statement. And she's chosen Him as her Savior together in prayer with us. Pray for E-san as she is right now facing her first major struggle since coming to faith. Satan is ever on the move.

Meanwhile, I was recently touched by another new believer's comment. Speaking to a newcomer at church, she said, "I've finally found a place I feel like I belong." We know the hurts she's had in life and are thankful for the unconditional love she's found in Christ, and through God's family at Denen Grace Chapel.

3. ENGLISH BIBLE CLASS BEGINS

Please pray for Kevin's new English Bible class that's started up this month with 5 in attendance. Pray that seekers in this class would continue to come faithfully, and then come to the Faithful One, Christ Jesus.

4. A VERY SPECIAL PROJECT

Please remember that we have opened a special project to subsidize the salary early on of Pastor Kondo. Pastor Kondo will be coming in January to put hands together with us in ministry at Denen Grace. As our church is very young, we are in need of some outside support to make this leadership transition possible. This is an important step in the growth toward adulthood of our church. If you feel led to give to our "New Church Pastoral Support Fund" you may do so here. More details are available here.

Bite-sized expenses:  You might prefer to give toward specific one-time expenses related to this special project. Here are a few needs related to the start of Pastor Kondo's ministry with us. Could you make one your project?

OFFICE EQUIPMENT: Computer $1000, Printer/Copier $250, Used desk, file cabinet, chair, etc. $300, Books/print resources $250

MOVING COST: Packing/transport $1000, Security deposit on apartment $750

OTHER: Installation Service $100, Returnee Training Conference $200

5. FACEBOOK AND BLOG

Please add us to your Facebook page here. We will be sending out a prayerletter in the next few weeks. In the meantime, step into Japan with us by peeking at our blog:

No (Solo) Fishing  Lesson learned from Kids English Class

Ode to Quiet Shopping  A place in Japan I dread to go

New Life in Christ   Praising God for a salvation decision 

The Best Show in Town   Chinese fireworks in Japan

Rock 'n Roll with the Beetles?  Earthquakes, tsunami, and cicada

Thanks for making the work in Kawasaki mission possible! We are honored and humbled to have you as friends in our support and prayer network. 

Your Missionaries,

Kevin and Kaori Laverman

Church Planting in Kawasaki, Japan with WorldVenture