Resurgence in Japan 

TEAM Japan's numbers stand at about 60 personnel, down from 80 the last time we visited 4 years ago. Pictured with us above is Stella Cox, a veteran Christian worker with 63 years of her life poured out in service to the Japanese people (she was 19 when she arrived in 1953). It was so exciting for us to discover on our recent trip that there are 20 new people in TEAM's candidacy process with their sights set on Japan! 

Here are some historical facts about the church in Japan. According to German physician and chronicler Engelbert Kaempfer, "the Christian church in Japan experienced the most cruel persecution and torture ever witnessed on this globe". From 1587 to 1867 Christianity was banned in Japan. Thousands of Christians were martyred during these almost 300 years of persecution. Less than 1 % of the Japanese population is Christian today. It's no wonder the excitement was palpable as the team talked about how best to prepare for the new recruits making preparations to join them. Thanks for your prayers for us. We were well received and stayed busy meeting with people in informal settings. 

Prayer Requests: 

1. Pray for our follow up with the Team Japan leadership as we seek to build on the relationship we renewed during our recent visit. 

2. We are scheduled to travel to NE China to assess member care needs for a work that TEAM is developing in that region. We travel to Jilin Province Sept. 18 - 28. Pray for wisdom as we discern the particular needs of workers living and serving there. 

3. Pray for Alberta as she finishes registering for two courses in her masters program for the fall. It will be a challenge for her to study with three trips here in Asia planned before the end of the year.

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta